Kobe Bryant left an inspiring message on his gift to Devin Booker

Devin Booker's NBA career is just beginning, but the Phoenix Suns rookie already has some things in common with future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Booker was selected at the same point in the draft (No. 13 overall), began his NBA career at the same age (18) and plays the same position as Kobe.

On Wednesday, Booker's connections to the Lakers' star grew when Bryant autographed a pair of shoes for the rookie with the message to "Be Legendary."

The gift is a nice reward for Booker, whose decision to leave college after just one year is paying off. Booker grew up watching Kobe dominate the NBA, but his chances of playing against Kobe were limited given that this season will be Kobe's last in the NBA. Bryant did not play in any of the previous three games between the Lakers and the Suns, but he was finally in the line-up for Wednesday night's series finale between the Suns and Lakers. The 19-year-old finally had a chance to play against his hero, and he put up a pretty good performance, registering a team-high 28 points in the Suns' 119-107 win over L.A.

Whether Booker can grow to "be legendary" is still up in the air, but he is certainly making the most of every moment of his career so far.