LeBron James Transforms into Ken: First Pro Athlete Barbie Doll!

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He’s not just Ken anymore.

Barbie’s long-standing sidekick underwent an incredible makeover. Mattel unveiled a Ken doll modeled after basketball legend LeBron James, which is the first figure of its kind to honor a professional athlete since the toy character was introduced in 1961, two years following Barbie’s debut.

According to a press release on April 9th, it’s been announced that a member of the Los Angeles Lakers team is featured in the initial lineup for the Barbie Signature Kenbassadors collection.

Mattel has unveiled a Ken doll modeled after basketball legend LeBron James, marking the first time a professional athlete has been honored in this way since the doll was initially introduced in 1961, two years following Barbie. LeBron James becomes the first individual to join the new Barbie Signature Ken Ambassadors group.

In my childhood, I was blessed with mentors who not only ignited my aspirations but also demonstrated the power of perseverance and commitment. As I’ve grown older, I recognize the immense importance of having role models that inspire and guide young people positively.

The 40-year-old went on to say, “Working with Barbie to unveil the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is truly an honor. This collaboration gives us a chance to highlight the significant influence of role models who boost self-confidence, spark aspirations, and demonstrate that children can also strive for greatness.

He’s not just Ken anymore.

Barbie’s longtime friend has undergone an incredible makeover. Mattel has introduced a Ken doll modeled after basketball legend LeBron James, which is the first figure of its kind to honor a professional athlete since the character was first introduced in 1961, two years following Barbie.

According to a press release on April 9th, the sports star from the Los Angeles Lakers is the inaugural member of the Barbie Signature Kenbassadors collection.

In his statement, shared by Mattel, LeBron expressed gratitude for the influential figures he encountered during his youth, who not only ignited his aspirations but also demonstrated the rewards of diligence and commitment. As a grown adult, he recognizes the significance of providing young people with positive role models to emulate.

The 40-year-old went on to say, “Working together with Barbie to introduce the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is truly a privilege. This collaboration presents a chance to celebrate influential figures who instill self-belief, spark aspirations, and demonstrate to children that they too can reach extraordinary heights.

Mattel collaborated with LeBron James and his foundation, the LeBron James Family Foundation, in creating a special edition Ken Doll. This doll was produced by Mattel as a tribute to LeBron James, acknowledging his significant influence on fashion, culture, and community as a four-time MVP.

Absolutely, it pays tribute to his athletic heritage too, as the LeBron action figure stands an inch above the typical Ken doll in height. It comes adorned with a unique blue and white varsity jacket, along with the distinctive “We Are Family” T-shirt of the LeBron James Family Foundation. The attire is completed with black and white houndstooth trousers, Nike Terminator High sneakers, Beats headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack, a watch, and a wristband labeled “I Promise”, much like the basketball icon himself.

LeBron James became the initial professional athlete to receive his own Ken figure, but he wasn’t the first sports personality to enter the Barbie world. Back in 2024, the company unveiled a special Sue Bird Barbie doll as a tribute to the retired WNBA legend.

Notable personalities, some of whom have had Barbie dolls modeled after them in the past, include the late singer Aaliyah, Cher, Beyoncé, Heidi Klum, Kate Middleton, and Prince William.

Look back at LeBron’s history of activism…

Beginning April 14th, you’ll be able to buy the Barbie Signature LeBron James Kenbassadors doll at selected Target stores, Target.com, Amazon, Walmart, and Mattel Creations websites for a price of $75.

Although LeBron James became the initial professional athlete to own his very own Ken doll, he wasn’t the first sports figure to be part of the Barbie universe. Earlier, in 2024, the company introduced a commemorative Sue Bird Barbie doll as a tribute to the retired WNBA legend.

Other famous personalities who have had Barbie dolls modeled after them throughout the years are figures like the late singer Aaliyah, Cher, Beyoncé, Heidi Klum, Kate Middleton, and Prince William.

Look back at LeBron’s history of activism…

The LeBron James Family Foundation was established shortly following LeBron James being picked first overall in the NBA draft, fresh from Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and joining his local team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, in 2003.

For several years, our foundation has invested heavily in supporting the city’s at-risk youth, enabling them to pursue higher education by guiding them towards college and offering resources to keep entire families involved in their children’s academic journey.

In 2014, James shared with the Northeast Ohio Media Group that since he began his foundational projects, his aim was not to carry out temporary or one-time activities. Instead, he wished to establish something lasting and impactful. He explained that short-term initiatives like those completed in a single summer lack longevity. What he desired was to create an empowering experience that would endure for generations, and as of 2014, they had achieved remarkable success in doing so.

By that time, over 800 children had embarked on their graduation journey, thanks to the assistance provided by the foundation’s I Promise initiative.

Each year, James initiated the King-for-Kids Cycling Event in Akron, aiming to support local youth initiatives. Through his foundation’s Wheels for Education program, children received bicycles, along with backpacks and laptops for students from third grade onwards. On this special day, they had the opportunity to cycle alongside LeBron James and several of his NBA friends, like Chris Paul, as seen in this 2009 photograph.

Despite receiving criticism for turning his decision to join Miami Heat into a televised event, generating $2.5 million from that special, LeBron donated this amount to the Boys and Girls Club of America – an organization he’s been associated with in various locations across the United States.

In 2015, James’ foundation joined forces with the University of Akron to offer a four-year scholarship to 1,100 students involved in the I Promise program who were attending public schools in Akron. This generous initiative aimed to cover tuition and other school expenses, amounting to approximately $42 million.

At a gathering for children at Cedar Point Amusement Park as reported by ESPN, James expressed, “I do what I do because of this reason.” He continued, “These young students have grand aspirations, and it makes me happy to assist them in any way possible. They’ll need to work hard, but I can’t wait to witness their accomplishments, knowing they’re on the path towards college.

The first class of scholarship recipients is on track to graduate in 2021.

In simpler terms, James explained that for him, growing up in an inner-city environment as an African-American child, the idea of planning beyond high school was rarely considered. The future seemed unclear, and since many people didn’t have the means to support a child through college, it wasn’t even a thought after graduating from high school.

In 2016, when I was part of the team, nothing could boost our spirits more than James leading the Cavaliers to their inaugural NBA Championship.

In 2016, when the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture moved to its new location on the National Mall, James, his foundation, and longtime friend and business associate, Maverick Carter, donated $2.5 million to aid in funding for the Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change exhibit.

Muhammad Ali is a fundamental figure in my athletic journey due to not just his boxing triumphs but also the values he upheld beyond the ring,” James shared with USA Today. “I often think of him daily. I wonder if I’d be here, discussing this, without his passion, aspirations, and ethics guiding me.

Notable significant contributors to the display were Michael Jordan, contributing $5 million, and Magic Johnson, providing an additional $1 million.

On December 8, 2014, LeBron James and his teammate Kyrie Irving chose to wear the “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirts they received from Jarrett Jack of the Brooklyn Nets. This decision was made following the death of Eric Garner, a 43-year-old man who died after an NYPD officer applied a chokehold. This act signified a significant shift in LeBron’s public stance, making him more vocal and direct about racial issues and police brutality.

Alongside Jack, Kevin Garnett, Deron Williams, and Alan Anderson all donned shirts during pre-game warm-ups ahead of their home game against the Cavs as well. In the following days, Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant were among several players in the league who also chose to wear the “I Can’t Breathe” shirt.

Irving emphasized to journalists prior to the match that it was crucial to express our respect towards the families. Additionally, he highlighted that being in this city where the tragic event occurred makes it even more significant for us to support a cause, particularly this one, as it holds great personal significance and carries deep emotional weight for me.

James had previously mentioned that he might wear the shirt in court, which could be interpreted as a “possibility”. When asked about its significance later, he explained, ” frankly, I’m not sure. It’s not for us to decipher. Instead, it’s essential to comprehend what we’re experiencing as a society. I’ve been made aware of the ongoing issues repeatedly. This is more of a message to my family than anything else. They are the ones who deserve our energy and commitment. As a society, we need to strive for improvement. We must aim to be better towards each other regardless of race. However, it’s primarily a tribute to my family because they are the ones who require our support and dedication.

Everywhere you go, kids of all ages are fond of him. In 2014, LeBron James spent time with young admirers during a father-son gathering in Hong Kong.

In the year 2015, basketball stars James and Stephen Curry dropped by the High School of Graphic Communication Arts in New York City as part of NBA FIT – an initiative aimed at fostering both physical and mental health among fans of all ages.

As a seasoned lifestyle expert, I proudly threw my support behind Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential race, taking to the stage at a rally in the bustling city of Cleveland just two days prior to the election.

In partnership with the Akron Public School District, the LeBron James Family Fund held a grand opening for the I Promise School in July 2018. This school, catering to students from first through eighth grade, aims to provide an enriching, modern education, along with resources like medical services and essentials, to create an all-round beneficial learning environment.

Despite being a publicly funded school through taxes, an annual contribution of over $1 million is made by the foundation to cover teacher salaries, ensure adequate staffing to keep classes small (limited to 20 students), provide after-school programs, offer tutoring services, and make various resources accessible for families to use.

Currently, the I Promise Network assists students up until the 11th grade, with plans to extend this support to include 12th graders by the 2020-21 academic year.

During the nationwide closure of public schools due to COVID-19, the foundation ensured that the I Promise Family Resource Center remained operational, providing essential services like healthcare, mental health support, food assistance, and temporary housing solutions.

Additionally, they partnered with Smuckers and Akron Food Bank to prepare and distribute care packages containing food items, toothpaste, and toiletries to the 1,443 enrolled students and their families. Moreover, James initiated ‘Taco Tuesdays’ for the children and their families in March, offering meal kits capable of feeding four to five individuals for each of the school’s 340 students.

2018 saw LeBron receive the NBA Cares Community Assist Award, which honors him for his longstanding commitment to positively impacting the lives of children in his home city.

Supporting and generating possibilities for children in Akron who are at risk of slipping through the system is incredibly meaningful to me since I was once in that very situation,” he stated earlier. “I feel honored and thrilled to establish a school and offer resources that will empower these students to gain an education, transform their lives, and secure a brighter future for themselves.

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2025-04-10 01:50