• Mattel is the company that owns the rights to Barbie
  • They have created a Ken doll inspired by LeBron James
  • James is an American basketball power forward
LeBron James Ken
LeBron James has officially become a Ken doll. Credit: IMAGO

Did you ever think you’d hear those two words in a sentence? Yes, basketball legend LeBron James has joined the Barbie universe, as he now has his very own Ken doll! Barbie creator Mattel has given James, 40, a doll inspired by the blonde doll’s classic companion. This is not the first time the dollmakers have dished out dolls inspired by celebrities.

Margot Robbie, Taylor Swift, and Ryan Gosling have had dolls made by Mattel. Robbie and Gosling’s dolls were part of the hugely successful movie made by Mattel, but it still counts. Becoming part of the Barbieverse is a huge achievement, as the dolls have been a staple in pop culture since 1959 when Ruth Handler created the first one.

Read more: This Stranger Things star cameos on Djo’s album – Pubity

Fans are curious about why James, of all people, has been turned into a Ken doll. Read the full story here!

Why does LeBron James have a doll made by Mattel?

LeBron James Ken
LeBron James during his China tour in 2018. Credit: IMAGO/ Imaginechina

On 9 April, Mattel announced they had teamed up with James’ foundation to honor him with a Ken doll. He makes history, as the Lakers star is the first athlete to have a Ken doll, whereas several female athletes already have Barbie dolls.

Speaking about the opportunity, James said: “It’s an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids they, too, can achieve greatness.”

He is the first ‘Kenbassador’ of the doll company.

A video of James reviewing his doll self went viral. In the video, he declares that the doll is “cool” while looking at it. So wholesome.

James’ doll wears Beats headphones, a LeBron James We Are Family Foundation T-Shirt, a Letterman Jacket, and shoes inspired by James’ Nike collection.

How did the internet react to the doll’s unveiling?

Overall, users on X were supportive of James’ doll.

One enthusiastic user asked where to buy the doll. In a post, they said, “So where do I buy these dolls at? Not asking for me, of course lol. It’s for girls, and stuff. Leave me alone.”

Through Mattel’s website, we imagine!

Agreeing that the doll was for the boys, a user joked in a post, “Me and the homies at the toy store on release day to get our #LeBarbie”. Lines are sure to be around the block.

Regarding the target audience, another user pointed out that men will make the dolls sell out, not girls.

The dreaded edit

A terrifying edit arose, and one user reposted it, saying it “came true”. Terrifying, but kind of cool.

Appreciatively, one account said, “This isn’t just a doll, it’s a statement: representation, reinvention, and a slam dunk for the culture.”

A slam dunk for the culture, indeed!

Unhappy with the LeBron James doll

However, other social media users weren’t happy about the doll. Unconvinced by the doll, one user said, “They’re running out of ideas because nobody will buy this…” Hmm, we aren’t sure about that.

Additionally, another user found the idea weird and asked in a post, “Can this guy get anymore cringe?” Genuine question, what is cringey about a Ken doll?

Boldly, another user declared, “That ain’t no Ken”. Are you jealous because you don’t have Kenergy?

On Mattel’s website, the doll will launch on 14 April.

author avatar
Sophie Humphrey
Sophie Humphrey is a freelance writer and journalist. Sophie has seven years experience in journalism and has a keen interest in pop culture and entertainment. Sophie has worked for the likes of Time Out London, The Upcoming and Screen rant.
See Full Bio