“I think it’s important to listen to people who do great things, you know?”

the Lakers player answered simply.

Bryant reasoned that Swift had not only managed to garner tremendous success but also sustain it over the years.

Taylor Swift and Kobe Bryant at the 1989 tour

And she’s always been one of my biggest role models."

A split image of Taylor Swift and Kobe Bryant

Taylor Swift with Kobe Bryant’s family