![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-914624594.jpg?width=600)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 05: Kobe Bryant attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-914624594.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 05: Kobe Bryant attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
NBA legend Kobe Bryant might not be alive in this world, but his legacies will live forever in the sporting world. Leave the sporting world. When Kobe met with the unfortunate accident, the entire world mourned his sudden death. And pop star Taylor Swift was also one of them.
Taylor paid a fitting tribute to the late NBA legend with a heartfelt tweet. Taking to Twitter, she tweeted, “Kobe meant so much to me and to us all.” The 5-time NBA champion and Swift have always had the utmost respect for each other. Kobe and Taylor’s friendship dates back to a time when Swift wasn’t as famous as she is today. So in 2015, when Kobe surprised Taylor with a sweet gesture on stage, she was left awestruck.
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In an interview with Jordan Harbinger, Kobe Bryant discussed how Taylor’s journey and success are unbelievable and frightening. He then claimed that Taylor Swift is a killer. Kobe Said, “You can’t have that level of consistent success and not be a killer.”
For Kobe, being Taylor Swift is a big life lesson. He claimed that making one hit album after another is not easy. So people must understand how she manages to write creatively, push herself, and break records so often. The NBA legend also stated that any time Taylor needed him, he would always be there for her. Having said that, the duo shared a wholesome moment on stage in 2015.
Kobe Bryant surprises Taylor Swift
In 2015, Taylor Swift performed at the Staples Center (now known as the Crypto.com arena). This performance at the Los Angeles Lakers’ home was a record-making one for Swift. She had officially executed 16 sold-out shows at the Staples Center, the most that anyone had ever done.
To commemorate this feat, Kobe Bryant stepped onto the stage. He expressed that the number 16 is very special to the City of Angels, as the Lakers had won 16 championships (by 2015). He explained that each championship represents a championship banner. Following this, Bryant also pointed towards a banner that was being unveiled.
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The banner carried the words ‘Taylor Swift’ and ‘most sold-out performances’ written in bold. The crowd broke into deafening applause. Swift looked overjoyed as she gave Kobe Bryant a tight hug. She then thanked her fans and said, “This is what you did. You have done this for me, thank you so much.”
Taylor Swift expressed her gratitude to Bryant. She mentioned that Bryant has been attending her shows for years. She said, “I am so happy that this came from you. Thank you.”
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What do you think about Kobe Bryant’s surprise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.