Latest news with #ELSEGUNDO
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Keenan Allen returns to Chargers, feeling at home in new facility
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Keenan Allen walked into Los Angeles Charges training camp on Thursday feeling at home, despite a head coach and training facility that were new to him. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver got to work two days after signing with the team that drafted him in 2013 after spending last season with the Chicago Bears.
New York Times
05-08-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Chargers' Zion Johnson experiment at center is over as he returns to left guard
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Zion Johnson experiment at center is evidently over. Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that he has 'pretty much' settled on his starting offensive line for 2025: Rashawn Slater at left tackle, Johnson at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Mekhi Becton at right guard and Joe Alt at right tackle. Harbaugh said that grouping is 'the best five right now as we see it.' Advertisement The Chargers had been rotating Johnson at center through the spring and into training camp. Johnson had never played center in college or the NFL. But Harbaugh, his coaching staff and the Chargers front office thought Johnson had some potential as a center. And so they asked Johnson to start working on his snapping early in the offseason. In the end, Johnson played center for three padded practices, one of which he spent with the second-team offense. Johnson played 12 snaps at center in the Chargers' win over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game last week. And while he showed signs of improvement in pass protection and as a run blocker, some snap issues persisted. Johnson had one high shotgun snap on the third play of the game. He and quarterback Trey Lance botched an exchange from under center on the fourth snap of the game. Johnson's snapping was uneven in practice. He also had a false start in his first padded team drills at center on July 27. Harbaugh said Monday that he saw some 'really good things' from Johnson on the Hall of Fame Game tape. But he went on to indicate that Johnson's work at center will now be for the purpose of cross-training and options in case of injury during the season. Johnson will play additional snaps at center in the Chargers' second preseason game Sunday against the visiting New Orleans Saints, according to Harbaugh. 'The versatility that's been created has been really good,' Harbaugh said. 'I think that definitely, at every step of this process, Zion has shown real upside, a high ceiling, to have the ability to play center as well as be a starting guard.' So where does this leave the Chargers offensive line? They have one of the best tackle duos in the league in Slater and Alt. They have uncertainty and question marks all along their interior. Advertisement Johnson started all 18 games, including the postseason, at left guard last season. Bozeman started all 18 games, including the postseason, at center last season. Both players struggled in pass protection. Bozeman allowed 30 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Only three centers allowed more. Johnson allowed 37 pressures, according to PFF. Only eight guards allowed more. They were inconsistent as a duo in picking up stunts and blitzers. That continued right up until the Chargers offensive line was dominated in a playoff loss at the Houston Texans. The Chargers will be running it back at those two positions. They signed Becton to be their starting right guard, and the theory is that Becton — months removed from his best season and a Super Bowl run with the Philadelphia Eagles — will elevate the interior play as a whole. Becton has not practiced in a full week. He worked off to the side Monday with executive director of player performance Ben Herbert. He did not participate in the walkthrough portion of practice. The next man up at right guard would be Jamaree Salyer, the third interior starter in that loss at the Texans. Salyer has lost weight, and his movement skills look substantially improved. At the same time, if Becton misses any game action, the Chargers would be starting the same exact offensive line as they did in Houston, when quarterback Justin Herbert was under siege. 'I'm just bullish on the offensive line,' Harbaugh said. • A day after his best practice of training camp, rookie receiver Tre' Harris had two drops in Monday's practice. On the first, Harris was wide open down the right sideline on a go route, and he had created 3 yards of separation past rookie cornerback Jordan Oladokun. Herbert faked a handoff before throwing on time and on target to Harris. The ball went off Harris' hands. Later, in a red zone period, Harris came open on a wheel to the back left corner of the end zone. Herbert threw another perfect ball. Harris could not make the catch. Advertisement Harris did catch two of his other three targets in the practice, including an explosive reception on a dig route off play action. Still, after a sizable step forward Sunday, this practice felt like a step back. • The Chargers brought receiver Keenan Allen in for a workout Friday, and Harbaugh said that workout 'went well.' 'Did a lot of Keenan things,' Harbaugh said. 'It was an impressive workout.' Harbaugh would not give any update on a potential timing for a deal to get signed. But he did say he is 'hopeful, as always.' Allen has more receptions and yards than any receiver in Chargers history. General manager Joe Hortiz traded Allen to the Chicago Bears in the 2024 offseason, two months after he was hired. Allen remains a free agent. While playing with Herbert from 2020 to '23, Allen caught 380 passes for 4,125 yards and 25 touchdowns. When asked Monday what it would mean to reunite with Allen, Herbert said, 'Keenan's a special player. He's definitely a guy that we've got a ton of respect for. We know how special he is. Personally, we've been able to throw him the ball a bunch. But that's probably a better question for the guys upstairs.' Allen is at his best in the slot. Ladd McConkey is at his best in the slot. How exactly would Allen fit into this room, when there is some position redundancy with McConkey? 'That's probably a better question for the guys upstairs, as well,' Herbert said. 'Obviously they're both the same position, and we know how talented Keenan is.' • The starting offense faced the starting defense in a two-minute 11-on-11 drill. There were 40 seconds on the clock. The offense started at the 40-yard line. No timeouts. Herbert completed to receiver Jaylen Johnson on the first snap on a stop route to the right for a 7-yard gain. The offense hustled to the line, and Herbert converted the first down by finding Harris on a comeback route. Herbert then spiked the ball to stop the clock with 10 seconds remaining. The offense then faced a second-and-10 from the 20-yard. Herbert attempted a throw to the right sideline to receiver Quentin Johnston on a comeback route. Cornerback Donte Jackson jumped the pass and should have picked it off. It fell incomplete. Harbaugh ended the series after this play. Advertisement • The Chargers featured multiple red-zone 11-on-11 periods. Herbert threw touchdowns to Jaylen Johnson, receiver JaQuae Jackson, and tight end Oronde Gadsden. • Chargers who did not practice Monday: linebacker Denzel Perryman, receiver Derius Davis, linebacker Junior Colson, safety Jaylen Jones, tight end Jordan Petaia, edge rusher Kyle Kennard, receiver Dez Fitzpatrick, receiver Jalen Reagor, tight end Will Dissly, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, Becton and McConkey.
Arab News
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Luka Doncic agrees to a contract extension through 2028 with the Lakers, committing to his new team
EL SEGUNDO, California:Luka Doncic's first six months with the Los Angeles Lakers were more than enough to give him a vision of a glittering long-term future with his new team. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport He sees championship banners, trophies and team success while living in a cosmopolitan city and playing for a world-famous team. He envisions his name and number in the rafters alongside every other transcendent great to wear the Lakers' gold jersey. So Doncic took the next step toward turning his dreams into reality Saturday when he agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension through 2028 with the Lakers, bypassing a chance at free agency next summer. 'Being a Laker is an honor, and I wanted to be here,' Doncic said during a news conference under the title banners and retired numbers festooning the gym at the Lakers' training complex. 'When you look up here, so many great names and what they've achieved. I want to be up there too one day.' The deal should keep the 26-year-old Doncic with Los Angeles through 2028 under a player option for the final season, after which he'll be eligible for a massive five-year extension that could allow him to recoup the max money he lost by getting traded by Dallas. The Slovenian superstar had a player option for the 2026-27 season under his previous contract. A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed the terms to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Lakers don't publicly announce the details of contracts. The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Mavericks last February in a seismic trade for Anthony Davis. The five-time All-NBA selection and a five-time All-Star averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game last season while teaming up with LeBron James for 50 victories and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Although his debut season in Los Angeles ended with a first-round playoff loss to Minnesota, the high-scoring guard says he greatly enjoyed his first months in Hollywood — enough to commit to the Lakers for the rest of his 20s, and almost certainly beyond. 'It's an honor playing for this organization,' Doncic said. 'Many, many great players played here, so obviously I want to add one more up there. That's what we're working for.' In another sign of his reinvigorated passion, Doncic confirmed that he has been doing extensive summer conditioning and strength work after the Mavericks' questions about his physical commitment to the sport reportedly played a role in his shocking departure from Dallas. Doncic looked trim and athletic at his news conference, and he chuckled while saying he'll 'obviously be a little bit faster' next season. 'Just trying to help the team condition-wise,' Doncic said. 'Playing a lot of minutes, a lot of games, so I think it's going to be the best for me.' Reaching the deal with no drama or delay is also a significant coup for the Lakers, whose future looks even brighter with Doncic under contract less than two months after the Buss family agreed to sell a controlling stake in the franchise to a deep-pocketed group led by Dodgers owner Mark Walter. Doncic will return this fall alongside James, who will begin his unprecedented 23rd NBA season. While Doncic's preeminent importance to the Lakers has been obvious from the moment they acquired him, general manager Rob Pelinka on Saturday called Doncic 'the centerpiece and the foundation piece' of the Lakers going forward. James didn't attend Doncic's news conference, but Pelinka said the relationship between the Lakers and the top scorer in NBA history is still strong even after James' agent, Rich Paul, made pointed comments about James' desire for the Lakers to be a championship contender when James agreed to return this summer. 'All the interactions we've had with LeBron and his camp have been positive and supportive,' Pelinka said when asked if he thought the Lakers would be James' final team. 'The dialogue with him has been open and constant. … The No. 1 thing we have to do (with James' future) is respect him and his family's decision. We want to respect his opportunity to come up with his timetable on that. If he had a chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great.' Doncic's comfort with the Lakers was already obvious in his offseason activity: He played a significant role in Los Angeles' successful bids to sign Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, helping to persuade the two veterans to team up with him for the upcoming season. Doncic said he campaigned with both players because he respected them as opponents. Ayton, Smart and several other Lakers showed up in El Segundo to congratulate Doncic on his new deal. 'Honestly, I think we have a great team,' Doncic said. 'We have what we need to compete for the championship. I will bring whatever I can bring and try to win every game no matter what. We've got some new great guys on the team, so you know we're going to go for it.'
Edmonton Journal
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Alex Laferriere agrees to a 3-year, $12.3 million deal to stay with the L.A. Kings
Article content EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Forward Alex Laferriere has agreed to a three-year, $12.3 million deal to stay with the Los Angeles Kings. Article content The Kings announced the deal Saturday for Laferriere, who was a restricted free agent this summer after playing out his entry-level contract. Article content The 23-year-old Laferriere had 19 goals and 23 assists last year for the Kings, emerging as a dependable scorer in only his second NHL season. He largely played on the right wing alongside centre Quinton Byfield, another key member of Los Angeles' young core, and high-scoring Kevin Fiala. Article content A third-round pick in the 2020 draft, Laferriere has 31 goals and 34 assists in 158 games for the Kings. Article content New Los Angeles general manager Ken Holland has taken care of his most pressing summer contract issues after the signing of Laferriere, but Holland said last month that he would be eager to sign Adrian Kempe to a long-term deal as the Swedish forward heads into the final season of his current contract. Article content
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Monster High™ "Fright Song" Gets a Drop-Dead Glam Remake From Global Girl Group KATSEYE
The release launches today with an electrifying music video and custom one-of-a-kind dolls tailored to each KATSEYE member's monster personas. EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today that Monster High and global girl group KATSEYE have teamed up to debut a musical collaboration: a reimagined version of the brand's iconic anthem, "Fright Song," now available on all major streaming and digital download platforms. Alongside the "Fright Song," a high-energy music video is now streaming on the Monster High YouTube channel and across Monster High and KATSEYE's social platforms – bringing the next generation of fans into a stylishly spooky world of celebrating belonging and what makes you unique. "KATSEYE embodies our core values of Monster High – bold creativity, fearless self-expression, and a commitment to lifting up others," said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel. "KATSEYE grew up as fans of the brand. We're thrilled that this collaboration brings our iconic Monster High anthem to life in a whole new way, while continuing our mission to create a world where everyone is proud to be their authentic self." Originally released in 2010, "Fright Song" remains the #1 track in the Monster High brand's history, with more than 87.9 million global audio streams to date. Now, KATSEYE's version injects fresh vocals, updated song lyrics, and an empowering tempo that celebrates individuality — a core tenet of Monster High and the breakout group. Known for their breakout EP BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, which charted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, and hit singles "Gnarly" and "Gabriela," KATSEYE continues their rise with the new "Fright Song" music video. The group, first introduced to fans through the Netflix original series Pop Star Academy, transforms into custom-created monsters inspired by each member's heritage and personal strength. From a shapeshifting Rakshasa to a mystical sea creature, the video blends cinematic visuals, advanced lighting effects, and dynamic choreography to bring the monsters to life in a stylishly spine-tingling, monsterfied school-day dreamscape. "Monster High has always stood for celebrating what makes you unique and using your voice to remind every ghoul that they belong, which is exactly what we try to do through our music," said KATSEYE. "Having grown up fans of Monster High dolls and content, recreating "Fright Song" and designing our very own monster identities has been such a dream. We hope the EYEKONS feel the love and energy we poured into this project." To mark the collaboration, Monster High and KATSEYE designed custom one-of-a-kind dolls inspired by each KATSEYE member: Sophia is a legendary Filipino vampire – or Manananggal – giving her the ability to shift between forms and vanish into the night sky. But her most hypnotic weapon is her voice: hauntingly beautiful, it lures, soothes, and stirs even the coldest hearts. She glows strongest after sundown, when the moon rises, and her true power awakens. Lara is a Rakshasa, a magnetic and clever shapeshifter originating from South Asian mythology. The ultimate big-sister figure, she's constantly encouraging her beasties to embrace their authentic selves and fight for what's important. Passionate and authentic, she loves adventure but also stands tall for what she believes in. Daniela is a Werewolf whose lunar energy manifests through her dance which she uses to influence and lead people in her direction. Charismatic and determined, she draws others in with her rhythm and can light up any room. She's fiercely protective and never backs down from helping others. Yoonchae is a White Tiger – or Jangsanbeom – who can move silently, mimic voices, and vanish into the shadows of the mountains. Her roar, used only when absolutely necessary, can shake even the bravest to their core. She comes from a long lineage of Korean tiger spirits and has energy that is sweet and playful and is known for their strength and a lighthearted nature. Megan is a Húli Jīng, a fox spirit from a legendary lineage of mystical Chinese fox spirits known for their cleverness, charisma and illusionary magic. She can summon and manipulate rolling clouds of mist that swirl around her like an enchanted fog. She also has telekinesis and can make objects move, which serves for great friendly pranks. Manon is a Sea Monster who's the descendant of the legendary Mami Wata, a mystical water spirit and human form from African lore. She can summon and command water serpents – shimmering, fluid creatures made entirely of enchanted sea. Her long, flowing hair moves like waves – mesmerizing, untamed, and full of hidden power. These exclusive dolls fuse each girl's signature style with her unique monster alter ego. Though the dolls are not for sale, they serve as a tribute to the creative process behind the collaboration. Fans can stream "Fright Song," now available on all major global audio streaming and digital download platforms, and watch the full music video today on the official Monster High YouTube channel and across Monster High and KATSEYE's social platforms. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket®, and Barney®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at About HYBE x Geffen Records In February 2021, HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) and UMG's Geffen Records officially announced their strategic joint venture partnership — an unprecedented collaboration between an esteemed U.S. record label and the leading K-pop and entertainment lifestyle platform company, brought together to create the world's first U.S.-based, global girl group modeled on the world-renowned K-pop training & development system. This marked the first time a U.S. record label and a K-pop entertainment company were uniting to combine their expertise in artist discovery and development, and music production to assemble, develop, and introduce a group from ground zero. The November 2021 announcement of the first-ever HYBE x Geffen Global Girl Group Audition that followed kicked off the historic JV. Combining HYBE's global expertise to lead the discovery, training, and development of the group, fan content production processes, and engagement with fans around the world, with Geffen Records' extensive industry network and partners to oversee the music production, marketing, and global distribution operations, the JV aims to debut a new girl group that will transcend national, cultural, and artistic boundaries. View source version on Contacts Mattel: Devin Michelle HYBE x Geffen Records: Kristen Nikki
