‘Hell nah’: LeBron James’ new Barbie doll release freaks out some NBA fans

LeBron James has been making headlines in and around the NBA community for his latest 'Barbie Doll' release.

‘Hell nah’: LeBron James’ new Barbie doll release freaks out some NBA fans

LeBron James

NBA and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been making waves in and around the NBA community. However, this has nothing to do with his amazing 2024-25 NBA season as a 41-year-old in the league. He has been making headlines for his off-court activities. Soon, James will be available as a doll in toy stores around the nation.

For context, per ESPN, Mattel, the company that makes Barbies, revealed on Wednesday that it has partnered with the LeBron James Family Foundation to create a toy model for the four-time NBA champion. James is the first athlete to own a customized Ken doll. This comes as huge news for a sporting personality like James.

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In addition, the NBA legend was ecstatic to announce this news. In an interview, James claimed how important it is for the youth to have ‘someone’ to look up to. James has been through it all: from rags to riches. His story has already inspired many young basketball talents around the world. However, the creation of these dolls will reach a wider and younger audience.

The Lakers great participated in the figurine’s design. Standing an inch larger than a typical Ken doll, James has decked out his doll in Nike sneakers and unique apparel that honors his heritage in Akron, Ohio.

This week, Mattel debuted the limited-edition LeBron James Signature Ken doll. This made James the first athlete to be memorialized in Barbie’s renowned collection. The announcement surely brought out interesting reactions from the NBA community. Mostly because no one saw this coming from the Lakers superstar as well as from ‘Mattel.’

Fans left baffled by LeBron James’ own Barbie doll edition

Many fans took to various social media apps and sites to put forward their views regarding LeBron James’ latest Barbie doll announcement. One fan wrote on X, “hell nah😭” Check out some of the reactions below:

The detailing of the doll features a figure dressed in a blue and white varsity jacket with the famous words “Just a Kid from Akron,” his name “LeBron,” and his initials “LJ” printed across the back. The blue Ohio patch and a green and gold crown courtesy of the LeBron James Family Foundation finish the sleeve elements.

LeBron James spoke about the ‘difference between eras’ on his podcast

In a recent episode of “Mind The Game,” Steve Nash and LeBron James discussed the subject and discussed how well the game is doing right now. However, while some fans still find the previous eras a bit more exciting to watch, James and Nash have a different viewpoint. The Lakers star believes the fans should ‘appreciate the game’ that is played now.

Yeah, we just need to, I think, have an appreciation. And I think if our fans would really go back and watch some of those games, they would realize, ‘Hmm, maybe that’s not something we would want to see on a night-to-night basis.’

LeBron James said
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The NBA’s earlier eras depended mainly on isolated play and lacked continuity while having genuine rivalries and considerably more toughness that spectators enjoyed. The modern game, on the other hand, moves faster and focuses more on three-point shooting and ball movement. This is something that James stressed on his podcast show alongside Nash.