Mattel’s Barbie brand has launched a Ken doll resembling basketball icon LeBron James.
The LeBron James doll is the first Ken doll in the likeness of a professional athlete and the first in the company’s Kenbassadors line. There have been several Barbie dolls in the likeness of athletes.
The new LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is going on sale starting Monday, April 14.
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“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,” James said in a news release.
“Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to. That’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honour. 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.”
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Besides sporting some slick duds, including a pair of Nike high tops, the mini-LeBron is also doing what the full-size version does — uplifting his hometown community of Akron, Ohio.
LeBron James Family Foundation
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The new doll was launched in partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation, which provides support to families through education, housing, health care and job training. Barbie is making a donation to the organization.
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“For the LeBron James Family Foundation and the families we serve, this is so much more than a doll. It represents the reality that a kid from anywhere can make a difference,” said Michele Campbell, executive director of the foundation, in the release.
“We are incredibly honoured to partner with Barbie to continue inspiring the next generation and to celebrate LeBron’s unwavering commitment to his community by giving back through the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll.”
Furthermore, Mattel will donate a copy of James’ book, “I Am More Than,” for every LeBron James doll that is sold at Target and in the U.S. between April 14 to 19, up to 5,000 copies, to Save the Children.
“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,” said Krista Berger, senior vice-president of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel
Canadian availability
The LeBron James Kenbassadors doll will be available in Canada online at and and in store at Walmart and Toys R Us.
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The Canadian retail price is $125.
The LeBron James Barbie Kenbassadors doll stands an inch taller than a standard Ken doll.
Mattel, Inc. photo
What’s LeBron wearing?
The LeBron James doll is an inch taller than a standard Ken doll to capture his height and comes in larger, custom packaging.
James worked closely with the Barbie team to personalize the doll’s outfit.
He’s wearing a custom varsity jacket over a LeBron James Family Foundation signature We Are Family T-shirt, Nike Terminator High sneakers, Beats headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack, a watch and his perennial “I Promise” band.
Patches on his jacket include a We Are Family patch as a tribute to the LeBron James Family Foundation, a 23 patch representing his jersey number, and an Ohio patch as a nod to his hometown.
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More information on James’ philanthropic work is available at .
More information on the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is available on the .
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