Lebron James becomes the first male athlete with a Ken doll
Lebron James, one of the most iconic figures of modern sports, has made history again – this time in the corridor of toys.
Mattel has announced the release of a new James Barbie, making him the first professional male athlete to be honored as Ken Doll.
“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken,” said Krista Berger, Vice President Senior by Mattel Di Barbie. He said the doll celebrates “Lebron as a model”, his ability to icon to transcend culture and give a “positive example for the next generation”.
The doll presents the basketball player of Los Angeles Lakers in his pre -party way and reflects his height – is a higher thumb of the Ken Standard doll.
In fact, the athlete is 6 feet 9 inches.
The new doll comes like the The company is facing financial uncertainty Among the growing commercial war of President Donald Trump with China, where it is based just under 40% of Mattel’s production.
Trump announced on Wednesday that the rates on goods from China would do so increase to 125%. He accused Beijing of “lack of respect” after reacting and said he would impose rates of 84% on US imports.
In the same announcement, Trump announced a 90 -day break For the countries affected by higher US tariffs and authorized a 10%universal reciprocal rate “while the negotiations continued with about 60 countries.
Mattel said that it may have to increase prices and possibly implement changes to its supply chain. Consumer and entrepreneurial groups in the United States have warned that rates can stop supply chains and bring to higher prices.
The new Ken doll does not show the athlete in his basketball uniform. Instead, it is dressed in a varsity jacket adorned with “LJ” on the front.
It includes an ohio patch and a crown patch on a sleeve and number 23 – its basketball shirt number – on the other. On the back, “Lebron” is courageously printed together with the phrase, “only an Akron child” – the city of Ohio where he was born.
Under the jacket, the doll wears a shirt that reads “We are family”, a nod to the foundation of the star. The doll includes accessories such as a basketball, headphones and sneakers.
In a promotional video released by Mattel, James reacted to see the doll for the first time. “Oh, drugs!” He says as he is given the figurine. “It’s so beautiful!”
While playing with the doll accessories, the Lebron Ken doll joked “it may have to do some lifting, the legs seem to be thin”.
The move is a significant moment for the 65 -year -old Barbie brand, which has made a push in recent years to diversify its dolls and reflect a wider range of careers, body types and backgrounds.
Although Barbie previously honored athletes such as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Megan Rapinoe, James is the first male sporting figure – and the first male figure not by the entertainment industry – to join the training.
Even with four NBA titles, two Olympic gold medals and a score record in his name, James says that his new title of “Kenbassador” affects differently, because it is more than basketball.
“It is an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of the role models that infuse trust, inspire dreams and show children who too can get greatness”.
