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LeBron James Honored with Ken Doll by Mattel
LeBron James, a legendary figure in the world of sports, has recently made waves beyond the basketball court, stepping into the toy aisle with a new distinction. Mattel has unveiled a Barbie doll inspired by the NBA star, marking him as the first professional male athlete to be immortalized as a Ken doll.
Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice president of Barbie, expressed enthusiasm about this new addition, stating that the doll serves to honor James as a role model. She emphasized his cultural significance and his role in providing a “positive example for the next generation.”
This unique Ken doll is designed to reflect James’ pre-game style and is notably taller than the traditional Ken, measuring an inch more to match the basketball player’s height, which stands at an impressive 6 feet 9 inches.
The release of this collectible comes at a time of financial challenges for Mattel, exacerbated by economic pressures stemming from heightened trade tensions between the United States and China, where a significant portion of Mattel’s manufacturing occurs. Recently, President Trump announced an escalation of tariffs on imported goods from China, raising concerns about the potential increase in production costs for companies like Mattel.
The new Ken doll captures James in a casual yet stylish outfit, featuring a varsity jacket emblazoned with “LJ” in front. The jacket showcases patches from Ohio, where James was born, a crown symbol, and his jersey number, 23, prominently displayed. On the back, the name “LeBron” is featured, along with the phrase, “Just a kid from Akron,” reflecting his humble beginnings.
Underneath the jacket, the doll sports a “We Are Family” shirt, a tribute to James’ community initiatives. Additionally, it comes with accessories such as a basketball, headphones, and stylish sneakers, making it a well-rounded representation of the athlete’s persona.
In a light-hearted promotional video by Mattel, James is seen reacting to the doll, exclaiming, “Oh, he dope! That’s so cool!” As he examined the doll’s accessories, he playfully noted that the LeBron Ken doll “might have to do a little lifting,” humorously commenting on its proportions.
This launch represents a pivotal moment for Barbie, a brand that has sought to diversify its range in recent years, encompassing a variety of careers, body types, and cultural backgrounds. While the Barbie line has previously celebrated female athletes like Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe, honoring a male sports figure like LeBron James signifies a broader acknowledgment of diverse role models in society.
Despite his extensive accolades, including four NBA championships and two Olympic gold medals, James reflected on the significance of being named “Kenbassador,” stating that it transcends the sport, embracing the influence of positive role models who can instill confidence and inspire future generations.
Source
www.bbc.com