LeBron James becomes first male athlete with a Ken doll

LeBron James, one of the crucial iconic figures in fashionable sports activities, has made historical past as soon as once more – this time within the toy aisle.

Mattel has introduced the discharge of a brand new Barbie in Mr James’ likeness, making him the primary skilled male athlete to be honoured as a Ken doll.

“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken,” stated Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice chairman of Barbie. She stated the doll celebrates “LeBron as a role model,” his skill as an icon to transcend tradition and set a “positive example for the next generation.”

The doll options the Los Angeles Lakers basketball participant in his pre-game style and displays his peak – it is an inch taller than the usual Ken doll.

In actuality, the athlete is 6ft 9in tall.

The brand new doll comes because the firm is going through monetary uncertainty amid President Donald Trump’s escalating commerce struggle with China, the place just below 40% of Mattel’s manufacturing is predicated.

Trump introduced on Wednesday that tariffs on items from China would enhance to 125%. He accused Beijing of a “lack of respect” after it retaliated and stated it could impose tariffs of 84% on US imports.

In the identical announcement, Trump introduced a 90-day pause for nations hit by larger US tariffs and authorised a common “lowered reciprocal tariff of 10%” as negotiations continued with roughly 60 nations.

Mattel has stated it might have to extend costs and probably implement adjustments to its provide chain. Shopper and enterprise teams within the US have warned that the tariffs might disrupt provide chains and result in larger costs.

The brand new Ken doll does not present the athlete in his basketball uniform. As an alternative, he is wearing a varsity jacket adorned with “LJ” on the entrance.

It consists of an Ohio patch and a crown patch on one sleeve and the quantity 23 – his basketball jersey quantity – on the opposite. On the again, “LeBron” is boldly printed together with the phrase, “Just a kid from Akron” – the Ohio metropolis the place he was born.

Underneath the jacket, the doll wears a shirt that reads “We Are Family,” a nod to the star’s basis. The doll consists of equipment like a basketball, headphones and sneakers.

In a promotional video launched by Mattel, Mr James reacted to see the doll for the primary time. “Oh, he dope!” he says as he is given the figurine. “That’s so cool!”

As he toyed with the doll’s equipment, he joked the LeBron Ken doll “might have to do a little lifting, legs are looking skinny”.

The transfer is a major second for the 65-year-old Barbie model, which has made a push in recent times to diversify its dolls and replicate a broader vary of careers, physique varieties and backgrounds.

Although Barbie has beforehand honoured athletes like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Megan Rapinoe, Mr James is the primary male sports activities determine – and the primary male determine not from the leisure business – to hitch the lineup.

Even with 4 NBA titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a scoring document to his title, Mr James says his new title of “Kenbassador” hits otherwise—as a result of it is about greater than basketball.

“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.”