Kelce brothers dive into NBA drama and LeBron James’ new Barbie moment

Mattel released its first of a kind Kenbassador dolls, modeled after Los Angeles Lakers player and Olympic medalist LeBron James.


Kelce brothers dive into NBA drama and LeBron James’ new Barbie moment

Mattel released a LeBron James modeled Ken doll (Image via NBC News)

In 2023, the movie world witnessed one of the most iconic moments in its storied history when Barbie and Oppenheimer were released in the summer. While Oppenheimer went on to become an Oscar winner, Barbie made a cultural impact like no other.

The rise of Ken would be one among them. With stars like Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu playing the romantic interests of Barbie, Ken became more popular. Mattel, which introduced the character, recently revealed a new product line featuring Kenbassadors, modeled after positive male role models.

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And they started their iconic new line with basketball legend LeBron James. Now everyone has their opinions about Kenbassadors, including the Kelce brothers, Jason and Travis Kelce.

The new Bron-inspired Ken doll is a part of the 65th anniversary of the first Ken Doll, which was released in 1961. Ken was released two years after Ruth Handler introduced Barbie, with whom Ken shared an on-and-off relationship. The character, post the movie release, has become a positive model for men all over the world.

As we gear up for a year of Ken’s 65th there will be a lot of different ways to celebrate Ken and the Barbie brand as a whole. We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken LeBron as a role model, his ability as an icon to transcend culture and set a positive example for the next generation.

Krista Berger, senior VP of Barbie and Mattel Global Head of Dolls, said in an interview

The new line has been instantly taken by fans. The surprising rise of Ken, thanks to the movie and the iconic performance at the Oscars, is also a bold and brave attempt to include men. As one of the leading platforms of toys, LeBron’s introduction as the first Kenbassador will positively affect millions of kids.

Jason and Travis Kelce can’t seem to stop talking about LeBron James and Kenbassadors

The NFL’s favorite brothers couldn’t resist jumping into a hypothetical and hilarious conversation about what their own Ken dolls would be like.

LeBron James (Image via Open Source)
LeBron James (Image via Open Source)

In a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, Jason Kelce noted that the next Kenbassador doll should be based oon Travis Kelce.

“Next up, the Travis Kelce ‘Ken’ Barbie,” Jason joked on their podcast, setting the stage for one of their signature brotherly banters.

However, Travis wasn’t having it. The Kansas City tight end noted that the people would not desire his doll. The older brother, however, disagreed and responded that Travis is out of his mind for thinking in that way. Travis has moved on from the gut-wrenching Super Bowl loss a couple of months ago is still patching up his mind around it.

From there, things got even funnier. When Jason asked what the Travis Ken doll would wear, Travis offered up, “A nice little two-piece.”

Jason, who clearly didn’t understand the fashion terminology, paused for a moment. Travis went on to clarify his vision – something trendy, sleek, and undeniably Kelce. Jason Kelce got realer in the next question.

He probed about the hypothetical anatomical features of a Ken doll. Historically, Ken dolls have come without the male external genitalia, which has been the center of several jokes for decades now. “Are you Kenified fully, or are we going detachable p***s?” Jason Kelce asked.

All said and done, Travis’s rising fame, from the football field to fashion weeks and viral interviews, has fans noting that the idea of a Travis Kelce Ken doll isn’t all that far-fetched. And if it ever does happen, Jason will be first in line to unbox it—probably just to see if it’s “Kenified.”

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