It's a widely known fact that the late Kobe Bryant influenced countless NBA players. The almost maniacal approach of the Los Angeles Lakers star has been truly embraced by a multitude of guys, especially those who grew up watching him.

One such person is Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Josh Giddey. The guard from Australia got a treat of a lifetime recently after the Thunder's equipment guy made quite a discovery involving Kobe.

According to a feature by ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Wilson Taylor accidentally found in the Thunder's storage facility a bunch of black and gold Nike shoe boxes containing Kobe 8 System TBs, size 13.5. He immediately contacted Giddey, who quickly got, um, giddy.

He (Taylor) smiled, knowing the score he'd just uncovered. He pulled out his phone, took a picture, and texted it to Thunder rookie guard Josh Giddey.

“No way!” Giddey wrote back. “Can I come right now?”

Based on the story, the rare Kobe shoes were originally sent for Derek Fisher, who ended his NBA career with the Thunder in the 2013-14 season. It's no secret that Fisher was one of Kobe's few close friends after spending several years with the Lakers.

With the Kobe kicks just gaining dust over the years, Giddey took advantage and asked Taylor to have them all.

With Kobe Bryant shoes getting more difficult to get these days after Vanessa Bryant officially severed ties with Nike last April, Giddey's newest “purchase” could be worth even more. For that alone, he should be in the running for the Rookie of the Year trophy.