Walker Kessler Gets Engaged to Miss America 2025 Days After Life-Changing $130,000,000 Move to Lakers
On Wednesday, Walker Kessler became the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest and splashiest offseason move. After four seasons with the Utah Jazz, the 7-foot-2 center will take his talents to Hollywood after the Lakers sent two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028 and 2030) to his former team.
The trade wasn’t the only career and life-changing event for Kessler, who agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers this week. He also made a surprise announcement during his 4th of July weekend celebration.
Walker Kessler’s Eventful Week Continues With Engagement to Miss America 2025 After Lakers Move
Kessler’s relationship with Abbie Stockard caught headlines in January 2025 when Stockard represented Alabama in the 2025 Miss America beauty pageant. With Jazz coach Will Hardy, the emerging star watched with suspense before the winner was crowned. When Stockard won, Kessler’s reaction went viral.
“The Sheriff” met her after she was declared the winner and shared a special moment with her. A few hours later, he wrote a message on Instagram:
“Congratulations, Abbie! I am so proud of you and everything you stand for. Your hard work and trust in the Lord have awarded you with this incredible opportunity! Use your light to shine on others around you! Love you. ❤️”
Roughly a year and a half after that event, the two announced Sunday on Instagram.
“I give thanks to God I get to spend the rest of my life with you, Abbie. Here’s to the future together. I love you so much. ❤️”
Stockard responded to the post:
“God is good☺️ can’t wait for forever with you.❤️❤️”
The 2024 Miss Alabama shared her emotions and penned a heartfelt message on IG, too:
“The greatest surprise!! We’re getting married!!🤍💍
“I get to marry Walker Kessler – my best friend! Our story is truly one that only the Lord could have written. So many things I once thought were coincidences were really His perfect plan unfolding, and our story is greater than anything I could have imagined.”
“There’s no one else I’d rather spend the rest of my life with, doing life together and cheering each other on! I’m so excited for all the big things God has in store for us and the adventure ahead, wherever He might lead us.”
Kessler’s remarkable week could bode well for the Lakers. After playing only five games during the 2025-26 season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, he will return healthy and ready.
He is the “A-list center” superstar that Luka Dončić asked team GM Rob Pelinka to prioritize in the offseason. One of the league’s best rim protectors will form an intriguing partnership with Dončić and Austin Reaves in the post-LeBron James era.
Following his engagement, the NBA world could expect an inspired and healthy Kessler to show why the Lakers went all-in on him.
