LeBron James makes history with his Ken doll
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Basketball great LeBron James has become the first professional male athlete to have his likeness depicted in a Ken doll.
Mattel Inc. unveiled the LeBron Ken doll on Wednesday to kick off the toy manufacturer's 'Kenbassador' series. Last year, nine female athlete Barbies, including tennis star Venus Williams, were introduced.
'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,' James said. 'Now, as an adult, 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 honor. It's an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness.'
The LeBron doll wears sunglasses, headphones and an unzipped blue-and-white letterman's jacket with 'LJ' on the left breast, his number 23 on the right sleeve and Ohio and crown patches on the other. His first name is on the back with 'Just a kid from Akron' underneath. His T-shirt says 'We Are Family,' a nod to the LeBron James Family Foundation. His blue shoes, of course, are Nikes.
The doll costs $75 and goes on sale Monday.
In an Associated Press-produced video of James seeing the doll for the first time, the 'King' expressed his approval, repeatedly calling the doll 'dope,' another word for 'cool.'
While looking it over, he put an 'I Promise' wristband on the doll's wrist and adjusted the strap on its fanny pack.
'OK, now we ready,' James said. 'I mean, he might need to do a little lifting. Legs look a little skinny. Little fraily little fellow. Nah, that's dope.'
Mattel senior vice president Krista Berger noted that Ken is Barbie's longtime best friend and supporter.
'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,' Berger said.
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Daily Mail
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Merchant Street : From 7am on June 2 until 9pm on June 13 : From 7am on June 2 until 9pm on June 13 West College Street : From 8.30am on June 4 until 6.30pm until June 12 : From 8.30am on June 4 until 6.30pm until June 12 South College Street : From 8.30am on June 6 until 6.30pm until June 12 : From 8.30am on June 6 until 6.30pm until June 12 Upper Bow : From 7am on June 8 until 7pm on June 11 : From 7am on June 8 until 7pm on June 11 Candlemaker Row : From 7pm on June 11 until 7am on June 12. : From 7pm on June 11 until 7am on June 12. Chambers Street, closed between Guthrie Street and a point 100m westwards : From 8pm on June 9 until 4.30am on June 10. : From 8pm on June 9 until 4.30am on June 10. Cockburn Street : From 11.59pm on June 9 until 7am on June 10. : From 11.59pm on June 9 until 7am on June 10. Chambers Street , closed westbound in its entirety, and eastbound between George IV Bridge and Guthrie Street : From 7pm on June 10 until 6am on June 11. , : From 7pm on June 10 until 6am on June 11. Victoria Street : From 7pm on June 10 until 7am on June 11. : From 7pm on June 10 until 7am on June 11. Lawnmarket, from Castlehill to James' Court (mid entry) : From 11.59pm on June 10 until 7am on June 11. : From 11.59pm on June 10 until 7am on June 11. Castlehill, closed from Lawnmarket to Ramsey Lane : From 11.59pm on June 10 until 7am on June 11. : From 11.59pm on June 10 until 7am on June 11. Johnston Terrace, closed from Upper Bow to Victoria Terrace : From 11.59pm on June 10 until 7am on June 11. : From 11.59pm on June 10 until 7am on June 11. King's Stables Road, closed between Lothian Road and Lady Wynd: From 8pm on June 12 until 8am on June 13. 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