LeBron James recently became the first professional male athlete to have his likeness depicted in a Ken doll, and KTLA was able to get an exclusive look at the King in his newest form before the figurine officially went on sale.
It was originally announced that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer would be a Barbie Kenbassador on Wednesday. In a press release, Mattel – Barbie’s parent company – applauded the Lakers forward for his positive impact on culture, style and community.
“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,” Senior Vice President of Barbie and Mattel Global Head of Dolls Krista Berger said.
James, 40, called the chance to have his likeness on a Ken doll “such an honor.”
“As a young kid, I was fortunate enough to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what’s possible through hard work and dedication,” he stated. “Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to, [and] that’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor.”
Not only does the doll pay homage to LeBron’s athleticism – his doll is an inch taller than the standard Ken doll and comes in custom packaging – but it also recognizes his contributions to fashion, as the doll is clad in a custom varsity jacket, a LeBron James Family Foundation “We Are Family” shirt, Nike shoes, Beats headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack, a watch and his famous “I Promise” band.
The 21-time NBA All-Star was said to have worked closely with the Barbie team to come up with the outfit, according to Business Wire.
On Saturday, KTLA was lucky enough to get inside the UNDEFEATED store on South La Brea Avenue in the Fairfax District, where a special United States-exclusive drop of the doll – including a few signed by LeBron himself – led to a long line forming outside the store; some people told KTLA 5’s Jacqueline Sarkissian on Saturday that they had been waiting outside for over 24 hours.
And despite the hype around the figurine and its resemblance to the King, one store worker opined that the designers should have added gray or white hairs to his beard.
LeBron himself noted a discrepancy, too.
“He might need to do a little lifting…the legs look a little skinny,” he said of his doll in a video posted to social media. “But it’s dope.”
If you missed out on Saturday’s limited-edition drop, the Barbie Signature LeBron James Kenbassadors doll will be available at select Target stores and their website as well as Amazon, Walmart and Mattel Creations starting Monday at 12 a.m.
The doll costs $75.
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