Taylor Swift, honorary Laker? Kobe Bryant gave the star a surprise tribute at the Staples Center during her latest "1989" tour stop.
A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Aug 22, 2015 at 2:25am PDT
The NBA legend joined Taylor on stage for the first of her five sold-out shows at the Los Angeles arena on Friday, announcing that she'd reached a milestone worth hanging from the rafters.
Taylor's round of LA concerts sets a record for the performer and the Staples Center, as her Aug. 26 appearance will be the 16th time she's filled the venue to capacity. Kobe used his onstage cameo as an opportunity to explain why the achievement is so noteworthy.
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"16 is a very special number here in Los Angeles because 16 is the same amount of championships that we have as a Lakers franchise," Kobe told the crowd. "To celebrate those championships, we do something very special. We hang banners. That's what we do."
The athlete then presented Taylor with her very own championship banner to commemorate her having performed the most sold-out shows in Staples Center history.
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"I just thought you were going to come out and wave to the crowd," Taylor exclaimed after the banner was revealed. "This is an amazing surprise!"
Taylor's banner will be displayed alongside the Lakers' numerous honors, and the recognition is something even the pop superstar could hardly "shake off."
"The banners up at Staples Center right now because WHAT IS LIFE EVEN," the singer wrote on Instagram, captioning a shot of the accolades.
The banners up at Staples Center right now because WHAT IS LIFE EVEN
A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Aug 22, 2015 at 2:29am PDT
-- Erin Biglow
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