In what’s already been a celebratory week for new Lakers center Walker Kessler, it appears he’s found a new reason to celebrate.
Kessler and his girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, revealed on an Instagram Story post that they got engaged during the Fourth of July weekend.
On the photo posted of the two sharing their latest news, it was captioned: “The future Kessler’s. Let’s get y’all married!!!”
Kessler and Stockard met a little over two years ago after his mother snapped a photo of her during a basketball game and then set him up to later message her on Instagram.
From there, the rest is history.
In 2025, Stockard was crowned Miss America, leaving Kessler speechless as he’s admitted, “Dating Miss America was not on my bingo card.”
With Kessler and Stockard taking their relationship to the next level, Stockard might spend more time in Los Angeles. Kessler was recently acquired by the Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal with the Jazz.
Lakers newly acquired center Walker Kessler got engaged during Fourth of July weekend. Getty Images
Kessler’s contract will pay him $130 million over the next four years.
The Lakers have been trying to find a big man who suits Luka Dončić’s playing style, and Kessler is that man.
During the Lakers’ search for a big man, it was coming down to Kessler and the Pistons’ Jalen Duren. The Pistons have been reluctant to move Duren, which forced the Lakers to shift their attention toward Kessler.
Since being selected with the No. 22 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Kessler, 7-foot-2 and 245 pounds, has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks over 25.3 minutes through 201 regular-season games.
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