NBA
Bucks’ Brook Lopez proposes to girlfriend Hailee Strickland
James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.
All posts by James FoglioUpdated7 hours ago on April 29, 2024
Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez proposed to girlfriend Hailee Strickland at Animal Kingdom inside of Walt Disney World. Lopez popped the question right in front of the Tree of Life.
The tree itself stands 145 feet high and has more than 300 animals carved into it. If the images didn’t immediately give it away, Strickland’s response was “yes.” Lopez’s fiancée works as a private Pilates instructor.
Strickland was born on April 4, 1992, in Burlington, North Carolina. In 2015, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in apparel design, marketing and merchandising from Appalachian State University.
Thirteen years ago, the couple first met at Animal Kingdom. This explains why Lopez chose the location to propose to his longtime girlfriend. At the time, the 7′ center played for the New Jersey Nets (Brooklyn).
Bucks’ Brook Lopez proposes to girlfriend Hailee Strickland
Before the proposal, the couple ate at Tiffins Restaurant, located at Discovery Island at the Walt Disney World Resort. According to the menu on the main website, the restaurant serves African, Asian and Latin cuisine. It’s also classified as fine/signature dining.
All guests are allowed to make dinner reservations up to 60 days in advance. For lunch and dinner, prices range from $35 to $60 per adult.
One thing is for sure, Lopez picked the right spot for the proposal. Disney has produced a number of animated romance films. Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), Hercules (1997), The Princess and the Frog (2009) and Tangled (2010) come to mind.
Anyway, the engagement ring will be Lopez’s second ring worn over the last year. The Los Angeles, California, native helped the Bucks defeat the Phoenix Suns in six games of the 2021 NBA Finals.
Last season, in 13 appearances with the Bucks, Lopez averaged 12.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. He averaged 46.6% shooting from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc as well.
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