ALEXANDER CITY, AL—On July 4, the Los Angeles Lakers’ new center Walker Kessler purposed to the 2025 Miss America pageant winner, Abbie Stockard.
The Lakers’ most recent trade from the Utah Jazz Kessler, is an athlete who makes the most of his seven-foot frame. He uses his size to his advantage with slam dunks and rebounds on the court. He proposed to the Auburn University nursing student and cheerleader, Abbie Stockard.
The former Miss Alabama, Stockard, was crowned Miss America 2025 in Orlando, Florida. As a former member of the Tiger Paws Dance Team for Auburn, she thrilled the audience with a contemporary dance routine during the talent competition, winning the Miss America pageant. Stockard chose cystic fibrosis awareness for her cause and won $50,000 in scholarships.
“I get to marry Walker Kessler, my best friend! Our story is truly one that only the Lord could have written. So many things once thought where 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. Best Fourth of July EVER,” Stockard said on Instagram.
Stockard texted: “I’m SOOO excited!! He proposed at Lake Martin [Alabama], which is special to us, and both of our families were there to celebrate.”
The Lakers have not officially announced the jersey number that will be assigned to Kessler. He wore #24 for the Utah Jazz. That number is retired in honor of Kobe Bryant. Kessler wore #25 during his college career at Auburn University. Number 25 has been permanently retired by the Lakers in honor of the National Hall of Fame recipient, Gail Goodrich.
He will take his place on the court alongside the backdrop duo, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Jersey Number 26 was only used by one player in franchise history. That number was worn by Danny Schayes for 13 games between 1993 and 1994.
