Barbie said the new James doll was made in partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation, and the toymaker will make a donation to James' nonprofit, which helps students and their families in James' hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Mattel has introduced a Ken doll made in the likeness of legendary NBA star LeBron James, marking the first such figure honoring a pro athlete since the toy character debuted in 1961, two years after Barbie.

Mattel is rolling out a new line of collectible dolls called Kenbassadors, designed to represent positive male role models.