LeBron James Becomes First Male Athlete to Be Immortalized as a Ken Doll

Basketball icon LeBron James is making history once again—this time, off the court. The four-time NBA champion is set to become the first male athlete with an official Ken doll in his likeness, cementing his place not only in sports but also in pop culture.

The LeBron-inspired figurine is part of Mattel’s Barbie Signature Kenbassadors collection, a special edition that honors influential men making a positive impact in the world. The limited-edition doll will launch exclusively on Mattel Creations on April 23, 2025, for $75, before becoming available through Amazon and other retailers the following day.

The April 24 release date also holds cultural significance—it marks the anniversary of the debut of the first Black Barbie, connecting LeBron’s tribute to a larger legacy of representation.

The design of the doll goes beyond style—each element reflects LeBron’s life, values, and roots. Dressed in a blue and white varsity jacket embroidered with “LJ” on the front and “Just A Kid From Akron” on the back, the doll also features patches representing LeBron’s foundation and Ohio heritage.

The outfit is completed with a “We Are Family” T-shirt, black-and-white houndstooth pants, and a pair of Nike sneakers.

Fans have already started reacting to the announcement with excitement and humor. “Grown men will get these sold out ASAP,” one fan joked on Instagram. Another praised the doll’s design, writing, “& they actually made him look good.

I love this.” Still, not everyone was completely satisfied—some wished the doll had come with LeBron’s signature sneakers instead of Nike Dunks.

For LeBron James, this honor adds to an already towering legacy that spans basketball, philanthropy, business, and now, toy history. As he leads the Los Angeles Lakers toward the playoffs—currently sitting at 48–30—James continues to inspire new generations both on and off the court.

This latest milestone celebrates more than just an athlete—it highlights LeBron as a cultural figure, community leader, and role model.

Mark your calendars: the LeBron James Ken doll drops April 23 on Mattel Creations.