Lakers’ Walker Kessler Announces Engagement to Abbie Stockard During Fourth of July Weekend

Walker Kessler has one other main cause to have a good time after not too long ago becoming a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The 24-year-old heart introduced his engagement to Abbie Stockard throughout the Fourth of July weekend.

Walker Kessler Announces Engagement

The couple shared the completely satisfied information by way of social media posts that includes images from the proposal. In one picture, the pair wore matching “fiancé” and “fiancée” hats whereas celebrating collectively. According to the NY Post, one other submit included the caption, “The future Kessler’s. Let’s get y’all married!!!”

Kessler additionally posted a heartfelt message for Stockard on Instagram. “I give thanks to God I get to spend the rest of my life with you, Abbie,” he wrote. “Here’s to the future together. I love you so much.”

Stockard later revealed that the proposal occurred on the Fourth of July. She described the engagement as “the greatest surprise” and referred to as Kessler her “best friend.” She additionally shared that their relationship felt like a part of an even bigger plan. “Our story is truly one that only the Lord could have written,” she wrote on-line.

The couple’s relationship started greater than two years in the past whereas each had been related to Auburn University. Kessler beforehand defined that his mom first observed Stockard throughout a basketball recreation and later inspired him to message her on Instagram.

“My rookie year, my mom and dad got invited to an Alabama-Auburn basketball game,” Kessler as soon as shared throughout a press convention. After his mom discovered Stockard’s title on-line, Kessler reached out by way of social media. “The rest is history,” he mentioned.

Walker Kessler Caps Off Busy Summer

Stockard gained nationwide consideration in 2025 after profitable the Miss America 2025 title. Kessler’s emotional response to her victory shortly went viral on-line. During the stay broadcast, he celebrated the second with pleasure whereas watching alongside his coach.

The engagement information comes throughout an already eventful offseason for Kessler. Earlier this month, the Lakers acquired the 7-foot-2 heart from the Utah Jazz by way of a sign-and-trade deal.

Reports said that Kessler agreed to a four-year contract price $130 million with Los Angeles, People reported.

The Lakers had been looking for a middle who might match properly alongside Luka Dončić, and Kessler shortly grew to become one of many group’s prime targets after commerce discussions involving different gamers reportedly stalled.

Since getting into the NBA because the No. 22 general decide within the 2022 NBA Draft, Kessler has averaged 9.5 factors, 9.3 rebounds, and a pair of.4 blocks throughout 201 regular-season video games.