Lebron James, one of the most emblematic figures in contemporary sports, again made the story – this time in the toy path.
Mattel has announced the release of a new Barbie similar to James, which made him the first professional male athlete to be awarded as a Ken doll.
“We are glad to present to the fans a new presentation of Ken,” said Krista Berger, senior Vice President of Barbie's Metle. She said the doll celebrates “Lebron as a role model”, his ability as an icon to exceed the culture and give a “positive example of the next generation.”
The doll includes Los Angeles Lakers basketball player in his way before the game and reflects its height – it is an inch higher than the standard Ken doll.
In fact, the athlete is 6 feet tall 9 inches.
The new doll comes as The company faces financial uncertainty Against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's escalating war with China, which is based on just under 40% of Mattel production.
Trump announced on Wednesday that the tariffs for goods from China would do it Increase to 125%S He accused Beijing of “lack of respect,” after he avenged and said he would impose tariffs of 84% on US imports.
In the same message, Trump has announced a 90-day pause For countries affected by the higher US tariffs and have authorized a universal “reduced reciprocal rate of 10%” as negotiations continued with approximately 60 countries.
Mattel said he may need to increase prices and eventually implement changes to his supply chain. US consumer and business groups have warned that tariffs can break deliveries and lead to higher prices.
The new Ken doll does not show the athlete in her basketball uniform. Instead, he is dressed in a jacket with Varsiti, decorated with “LJ” in the front.
It includes a patch of Ohio and a patch of the crown of one sleeve and number 23 – the number of its basketball jersey – from the other. On the back, Lebron is boldly printed along with the phrase “Just Akron A Child” – the city of Ohio, where he was born.
Under the jacket, the doll wears a shirt that reads “We're Family”, a nod to the star foundation. The doll includes accessories such as basketball, headsets and sneakers.
In a promotional video posted by Motel, James reacted to see the doll for the first time. “Oh, he doping!” He says he gave the figure. “That's so cool!”
As he played with the accessories of the doll, he jokes with the Lebron Ken doll, “may have to make a little lift, his legs look skinny.”
This move is an important point for the 65-year-old Barbie brand, which in recent years has made impetus to diversify its dolls and reflect a wider spectrum of careers, body types and origin.
Although Barbie had previously worshiped athletes such as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Megan Rapino, James is the first male sports figure – and the first male figure not from the entertainment industry has joined the squad.
Even with four NBA titles, two Olympic gold medals and a record for evaluation of his name, James says that his new title “Kenbasador” hits differently – because it is more than basketball.
“This is an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of imitation models that inspire confidence, inspire dreams and show children that they can also achieve greatness.”