LeBron James isn't a stranger to making history, but his latest achievement isn't on the basketball court or off a buzzer-beater—it's on the toy shelf.

The basketball icon has become officially the first-ever professional male athlete to be immortalized as a Ken doll in a partnership with Mattel's Barbie franchise.

LeBron James Becomes a Ken Doll for the Culture

LeBron James Makes History as First Male Athlete With a LeBron James Makes History as First Male Athlete With a
LeBron James @kingjames/Instagram

According to the BBC, Mattel, the toy company behind "Barbie" dolls, launched a new Ken doll inspired by the four-time NBA champion. LeBron becomes a part of the Barbie world as a representation of cultural impact, leadership, and positive influence.

"We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken," Krista Berger, Mattel's senior vice president of Barbie, said.

Berger added that the 40-year-old forward is seen as a role model to promote the culture, aside from being a "positive example for the next generation."

The LeBron Ken doll is not dressed in his typical Lakers jersey. Rather, he's rocking pre-game swag, including a varsity jacket with his initials "LJ," a crown emblem, an Ohio logo, and the number 23 on the sleeve. The back boldly states "LeBron" and his famous quote: "Just a kid from Akron."

How Does the LeBron 'Barbie' Ken Doll Look

What distinguishes this Ken doll from the rest, aside from being an inch taller than average, is attention to detail. The figure stands at over 13 inches to match LeBron's actual height of 6'9". The accessories are a basketball, sneakers, headphones, and a "We Are Family" t-shirt, paying homage to his foundation and charitable efforts.


In one promotional video, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar saw the doll for the first time and could not contain himself. "Oh, he dope!" he exclaimed with a smile. He even made a joke about the doll needing leg day, saying, "He might have to do a little lifting."


Barbie Brand Pushes for Inclusivity and Representation

Mattel's move to bring LeBron James as a Ken doll is part of a larger initiative to modernize and diversify its Barbie brand. In recent years, the company has diversified its offerings to include a variety of skin tones, body types, and career options.

Female athletes like Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and Naomi Osaka have previously been honored, but LeBron marks a new frontier as the first male athlete and the first male figure outside of entertainment to be featured.

Sports Illustrated reports that some people have already given different monikers to the LeBron Ken doll. Bleacher Report calls it "LeBarbie," while others praised the details for being very close to the NBA forward.

Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Toy Prices

As the LeBron Ken doll is becoming more popular in the toy business, Mattel has battles behind the scenes. With almost 40% of its operations in China, the brand is dealing with increasing tariffs from the US-China trade war.

President Donald Trump's latest tariff increase to 125% might affect toy prices and supply chains, giving rise to possible changes for the brand.