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Ken meet LeBron, Lebron meet Ken. Yes, Lebron James has been turned into a Ken doll, and the 2.06 m (6.75ft) basketball superstar has made history doing so as the first professional athlete to be shrunk into a palm-sized figure from Mattel. The LeKen doll is 1 inch taller than a standard Ken doll, and will be available to shop at shop.mattel.com.au for an RRP of AUD$149.99 starting Monday, April 14th at 6pm AEST.
We can’t even imagine how much money it would cost to license the likeness of one of the most famous professional athletes on the planet. However, we do know that the LeBron James Family Foundation will be the beneficiary of the Kenbassador doll. LeBron founded the foundation to further his mission to uplift his local community in Akron, Ohio, by providing tangible support to more than 1,600 students and families through education, housing, healthcare, and job training, and Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation says this is another important pipeline to achieve this.
“For the LeBron James Family Foundation and the families we serve, this is so much more than a doll. It represents the reality that a kid from anywhere can make a difference,” Campbell said in a press release from the brand.
LeBron James Kenbassador Details
Price: AUD$149.99 (USD$75)
- SKU#: HRM33
- Release date: Monday, April 14th at 6 pm AEST (April 14, 2025, 12:01 am PT in the USA)
- Doll designer: Javi Meabe
- Packaging designer: Charis Ceniroz
- Face sculpt: LeBron James
- Body type: Ken Tall
- Includes Certificate of Authenticity
The news of the LeBron Ken doll arrives as the figure is about to celebrate its 65th Anniversary in 2026. Expect many more “Kenbassadors” to arrive in the coming months, and with adults being the fastest-growing consumer segment of the toy industry, we wouldn’t be surprised to find some more inspiring athletes shrunk into the Ken doll figure.
“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,” said Lebron James. “I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to. That’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honour.”
“Ken is Barbie’s longtime best friend and supporter,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel. “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.”
How does this affect LeKen’s legacy? Well, Michael Jordan was never made into one so he’s instantly surpassed the ghost from Chicago in this category. Again, the LeBron Ken doll will be available to shop in Australia at shop.mattel.com.au for an RRP of AUD$149.99 starting Monday, April 14th at 6pm AEST.
