8 sources·Entertainment

LeBron James Becomes First Male Athlete with Ken Doll

Basketball star LeBron James is celebrated as the first professional male athlete honored with a Ken doll, reflecting his role model status and cultural impact.

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  1. Barbie announces LeBron James becomes first athlete with Ken doll

    With James' first Ken doll, they are excited to expand the "Kenbassadors."

    Barbie announces LeBron James becomes first athlete with Ken doll

    CBS NewsCBS News·9d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. LeBron James Receives Honor Nobody Would Ever Expect

    It’s more of an on-the-shelf accomplishment than an on-court achievement.

    LeBron James Receives Honor Nobody Would Ever Expect

    Daily CallerDaily Caller·10d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  5. Axios

    A new Barbie collaboration makes him the first professional athlete to have a Ken doll in their likeness, the brand announced Wednesday.

    Axios

    AxiosAxios·10d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  6. LeBron James makes history with his Ken doll

    Mattel Inc. unveiled the LeBron Ken doll on Wednesday to kick off the toy manufacturer’s “Kenbassador” series.

    LeBron James makes history with his Ken doll

    NBC NewsNBC News·10d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  1. CBS News
  2. Boston Herald
  3. Daily Caller
  4. CNN
  5. Axios
  6. NBC News
  7. Associated Press
Updated: Apr 10th, 2025, 1:11 AM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Mattel has unveiled a Ken doll modeled after LeBron James, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first professional male athlete represented. Released as part of the 'Kenbassador' series, the doll features details from James's career, including a varsity jacket, sunglasses, headphones, and Nike shoes. Priced at $75, it aims to inspire youth by showcasing James as a positive role model. In a recent video, James praised the doll as 'dope' and emphasized the importance of having role models for children. This release follows last year's introduction of female athlete Barbies.

Perspectives

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  • LeBron James's Ken doll represents a landmark moment as the first professional male athlete to be honored in this way, highlighting the evolution of societal norms surrounding gender and representation in toys.

  • The collaboration between Mattel and the LeBron James Family Foundation emphasizes the importance of role models in fostering confidence and ambition among young people, showcasing the societal impact of sports figures beyond the court.

  • The Ken doll is not only a celebration of James's career but also an opportunity to promote positive values and encourage the next generation to pursue their dreams.

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History

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LeBron James Becomes First Male Athlete with Ken Doll - Pano News