He’s KENough!
He may be the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, but now LeBron James can add another historic title to his already unparalleled resume: Barbie’s first-ever professional male “Kenbassador,” NBA.com reports.
Mattel recently made the official announcement, unveiling a limited-edition LeBron James Ken doll as part of its new “Kenbassador” series—a cultural celebration of men who move the needle, inspire change, and redefine what it means to lead with heart. With this release, LeBron becomes the first pro athlete ever to be honored with a Ken doll, following in the high-heeled footsteps of Barbie’s previous athlete line, which spotlighted nine iconic women, including tennis legend Venus Williams.
The collectible LeBron Ken doll isn’t decked out in a jersey or rocking his game-day gear. Instead, he arrives in signature off-court style: a blue-and-white varsity jacket embroidered with an “LJ,” patches repping Ohio and a crown, a T-shirt stamped “We Are Family” (a nod to his foundation), blue Nike sneakers, and a fanny pack. Completing the look? Headphones, shades, and a message etched on the back of his jacket: “Just a kid from Akron.”
The retail price was $75, but good luck finding one now. When the doll dropped at Undefeated’s La Brea location in Los Angeles, fans lined up two days early. One even showed up in a full Lakers uniform, backed by a choir singing a Barbie-fied version of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” By the time it hit Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Mattel Creations, it was gone. Sold out. Everywhere.
The frenzy didn’t stop there. According to The New York Times, “LeBron Barbie” was searched on eBay over 760 times per hour the day before the doll’s midnight launch. One autographed version even sold for $3,000. On StockX, it became the number one collectible release in the platform’s history, with over 1,400 transactions and a resale average of $118—a 57% markup from its original price. OfferUp experienced similar waves, with the doll ranking among the top five most searched items for several consecutive days.
But beyond the stats and the resale numbers, this moment matters. LeBron spoke to reporters about the significance of the doll, saying, “As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what’s possible through hard work and dedication… That’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor.”
For him, this doll isn’t just about legacy—it’s about possibility. It’s a physical reminder to young kids, especially those who look like him, that their story belongs on shelves too. In a video filmed by the Associated Press, LeBron got his first glimpse of the doll—and loved it. “Oh, he’s dope,” he said with a smile, before adding his signature “I Promise” wristband and jokingly noting the doll could “do a little lifting.”
Mattel’s Krista Berger summed it up best: “We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, lasting impact on culture, and dedication to setting a positive example for the next generation to reach their limitless potential.”
From the hardwood to the toy aisle, King James continues to reign—and inspire. Now, countless kids will look at that doll and see something more than just a plastic figure. They’ll see possibility. They’ll see greatness. They’ll see themselves.
Click HERE to purchase your LeBron James Ken doll.
Cover photo: LeBron James Makes History as First Professional Male Athlete to Receive a Barbie/Photo credit: Mattel