Taylor Swift invites Kobe Bryant to the stage on the first night of her five concerts at Staples Centre.

Although Kobe Bryant did not return to the basketball court with the Lakers, he made a grand presence at Staples Centre on Friday night alongside Taylor Swift to help the famed singer unveil her own banner.

Bryant startled the audience as the second guest at her show, the first of five at Staples Centre during the 1989 World Tour.

Prior to Bryant’s arrival, Swift had invited Ryan Tedder of One Republic to join her on stage, where they performed One Republic’s hit song, “Counting Stars.”

During Swift’s performance of “Style,” the Lakers’ renowned guard walked across the stage on a long catwalk. He then asked the band to lower the level and encouraged the audience to observe Swift’s banner.

According to Bryant, Swift has sold out Staples Centre a record 16 times, including the five gigs she has scheduled there through Wednesday.

Bryant’s own basketball career was hampered by injuries last season, which limited him to only 35 games before requiring season-ending shoulder surgery. However, he is expected to fully recover in time for the 2018 season.