AssetID: 54656002
Headline: LeBron James Honoured With His Own Ken Doll
Caption: LeBron James has been immortalised with his very own Ken doll - making him the first male professional athlete to be honoured by Mattel and its Barbie brand. The firm announced on Wednesday that they have created the doll to recognise the basketball legend’s positive impact on culture, style, and community. In advance of the iconic character’s 65th anniversary in 2026, the brand is excited to honour Kenbassadors who are inspiring and contributing to a better world for all. "Ken is Barbie’s longtime best friend and supporter,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel. “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.” "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,” said LeBron James. “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 recognise the powerful impact of role models who instil confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness." Reflecting the Los Angeles Lakers star’s height, the LeBron Ken doll stands one inch taller than the standard Ken doll in custom, larger packaging. James worked closely with the Barbie team to personalise his doll’s outfit, clad in a custom varsity jacket over the LeBron James Family Foundation’s signature We Are Family t-shirt, Nike Terminator High sneakers, Beats headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack, a 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 Akron hometown. Barbie is also partnering with and donating to the LeBron James Family Foundation, which James founded to further his mission to uplift his local community in Akron, Ohio, by providing tangible support to families through education, housing, healthcare, and job training. “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 LeBron James Family Foundation. “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.” The Barbie Signature LeBron James Kenbassadors doll will be available online at Amazon and Mattel Creations for an RRP of £89.99 starting Monday 14 April at 17:00 PM BST.
Keywords: lebron james,akron,los angeles lakers,feature,video,photo,basketball,barbie,sport,sports,mattel,ken
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