Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler became engaged to his girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, over the Fourth of July weekend. The couple shared the news via an Instagram Story post.
Stockard was crowned Miss America in 2025. Kessler, who admitted he did not anticipate dating a Miss America, stated that the engagement was a pleasant surprise.
Kessler and Stockard met approximately two years ago after Kessler's mother noticed Stockard at a basketball game and facilitated their connection on Instagram.
With their relationship progressing, Stockard may spend more time in Los Angeles. Kessler was recently acquired by the Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz. His new contract with the Lakers is valued at $130 million over four years.
The Lakers sought a big man whose playing style complements Luka Dončić, identifying Kessler as a suitable candidate. The team's pursuit of a center initially considered Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, but the Pistons' reluctance to trade Duren led the Lakers to focus on Kessler.
Selected as the No. 22 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the 7-foot-2, 245-pound Kessler has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game over 201 regular-season contests.