The kid from Akron is now Barbie’s first-ever Kenbassador, and he’s dripping with style!
Move over, Kens, there’s a new doll in town, and he’s molded in the likeness of the basketball great, LeBron James.
To kick off Mattel Inc.’s Kenbassador series, the toy manufacturer unveiled the official look of the professional athlete in doll form on Wednesday, April 9. According to Barbie’s Instagram post, they recognize James for his positive impact on culture, style, and community.
“LeBron emerged from humble inner-city beginnings to become a basketball legend and activist, vowing to give back to the community that raised him. He fulfilled his promise in 2004 by founding the LeBron James Family Foundation, empowering the kids of Akron, Ohio, with the resources to succeed in the game of life,” its caption read.
The post highlighted his efforts to define what it means to be a true MVP, even outside the court.
“As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what’s possible through hard work and dedication. Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to,” James said in a press release.
“That’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor. It’s an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness,” he added.
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Based on the LeBron James Family Foundation’s (LJFF) X (formerly Twitter) post, the athlete worked closely with the Barbie team to personalize his doll’s outfit. The LeBron doll wears a varsity jacket over the foundation’s signature, “We Are Family” t-shirt, the Nike Terminator High sneakers, Beats headphones, sunglasses, a black fanny pack, a gold watch, and his perennial “I Promise” band.
“The patches on his varsity jacket reference milestones throughout his life, including a We Are Family patch as a tribute to the LeBron James Family Foundation, a 23 patch representing his iconic jersey number, and an Ohio patch nodding to his hometown,” the foundation said.
For LJFF, the latest partnership represents the reality that a kid from anywhere can make a difference. It’s a celebration of James’ unwavering commitment to his community by giving back through the NBA star’s Kenbassador doll.
“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, lasting impact on culture, and dedication to setting a positive example for the next generation to reach their limitless potential,” Mattel Inc.’s Senior Vice President Krista Berger said.
The LeBron doll is priced at $75 (P4,300) and will be available starting April 14 at midnight (US Time) at select Target stores. Customers can buy the doll online through Target’s official website, Amazon, Walmart, and Mattel Creations.
In commitment to early childhood literacy, Mattel said they will donate a copy of James’s children’s book, “I Am More Than,” to Save the Children for every Barbie Signature LeBron James Kenbassador doll sold at Target stores and its website between April 14 and 19, 2025, up to 5,000 copies.
