The NBA superstar has become the first male athlete to be immortalized as a Ken doll, marking a significant milestone in the toy industry. The LeBron James Ken doll is part of Mattel’s “Ambassador” series, which honours influential figures making a positive impact on society.
This move is seen as a celebration of diversity and representation in the toy industry, aligning with the 45th anniversary of the first Black Barbie doll. LeBron James expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that it’s an honour to be part of the “Ambassador” series and an opportunity to inspire young people .

LeBron James, a legendary figure in modern sports, has made history once more — this time in the world of toys.

Mattel has unveiled a new Barbie doll modelled after Mr James, marking him as the first professional male athlete to be featured as a Ken doll.

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

The doll showcases the Los Angeles Lakers star in his signature pre-game style and stands an inch taller than the standard Ken doll, reflecting his real-life height of 6 feet 9 inches.

The release of the new doll comes at a time when Mattel is grappling with financial uncertainty due to President Donald Trump’s intensifying trade war with China, where nearly 40% of the company’s production takes place.

On Wednesday, Trump announced a tariff hike on Chinese goods to 125%, citing Beijing’s “lack of respect” following its decision to impose an 84% tariff on U.S. imports in retaliation.

In the same announcement, President Trump introduced a 90-day pause on increased U.S. tariffs for affected countries and approved a universal “lowered reciprocal tariff of 10%” as negotiations progressed with around 60 nations.

In response, Mattel stated it might be forced to raise prices and consider adjustments to its supply chain. Consumer and business organizations in the U.S. have cautioned that the tariffs could disrupt supply chains and result in higher costs for consumers.

The new Ken doll doesn’t feature the athlete in his basketball gear. Instead, he’s styled in a varsity jacket bearing the initials “LJ” on the front. One sleeve is decorated with an Ohio patch and a crown emblem, while the other showcases the number 23 — his iconic jersey number. On the back, “LeBron” is boldly displayed along with the phrase “Just a kid from Akron,” paying tribute to his hometown in Ohio.

Beneath the jacket, the doll sports a shirt with the phrase “We Are Family,” a tribute to LeBron’s foundation. It also comes with accessories such as a basketball, headphones, and sneakers, adding to its authentic touch.

LeBron James reacted to seeing the doll for the first time, exclaiming, “Oh, he dope! That’s so cool!” as he was handed the figurine. While playfully examining the doll’s accessories, he joked that the LeBron Ken doll “might have to do a little lifting, legs are looking skinny” in a promotional video shared by Mattel

This release marks a major milestone for the 65-year-old Barbie brand, which in recent years has focused on diversifying its dolls to represent a wider variety of careers, body types, and backgrounds.

While Barbie has previously celebrated athletes such as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Megan Rapinoe, LeBron James is the first male sports figure — and the first male outside the entertainment industry — to be featured in the lineup. 

Despite his four NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and a historic scoring record, James says his new role as a “Kenbassador” feels uniquely special — because it represents something beyond basketball.