Watch: Lakers' $8,493,480 target left bewildered after girlfriend Abbie Stockard takes Miss America crown

Denver Nuggets v Utah Jazz - Source: Getty
Denver Nuggets v Utah Jazz (image credit: getty)

Walker Kessler's biggest win this season might not have even taken place on the basketball court.

His girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, has been crowned Miss America 2025. The Utah center shared a wholesome reaction to the news as he watched from his phone while having dinner with Jazz coach Will Hardy.

“Congratulations Abbie. I am so proud of you and everything you stand for. Your hard work and trust in the Lord has awarded you with this incredible opportunity! Use your light to shine on others around you!” Kessler captioned.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Stockard, who was also crowned Miss Alabama, won shortly after the Jazz's 105-92 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday.

Kessler and Stockard have been together since their days at Auburn University and his genuine excitement for her accomplishment was heartwarming.

LA Lakers might not be able to get Walker Kessler

Walker Kessler is enjoying a solid third season in the NBA. The former No. 22 pick, who's in the third of a four-year $13.3 million deal, is averaging 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game — the second-highest in the league.

Multiple teams have reportedly inquired about his availability given that the Jazz are on a 9-25 record and unlikely to make the playoffs. The LA Lakers, who will reportedly be on the market for a big man, were one of his potential destinations.

Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday that the Jazz doesn't intend to move Kessler. Additionally, the Lakers might not have the assets to trade for him.

"While teams have expressed interest in Utah center Walker Kessler — the Lakers included — the belief in NBA circles is that he’s not available in any realistic trade scenarios, Utah electing to keep one of the NBA’s top rim protectors through the deadline," Woike wrote. "The team also probably used its most practical trade chip — D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract — in the Finney-Smith deal."

The Lakers still have other potential options to explore for their starting center position, such as veterans Jonas Valancinuas or Robert Williams III.

As for Kessler, he will continue to anchor Utah's defense with his stellar rebounding and rim protection, barring a major turn of events.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications