Joe Bryant, father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, died at the age of 69.
His death was confirmed by La Salle head coach, Fran Dunphy, Tuesday, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Joe was a Philly hoops great, and a basketball star in his own right. He reportedly played over eight seasons in the NBA, and was affectionately nicknamed, “Jellybean.” Dunphy told the outlet that Joe had recently suffered a massive stroke, although his official cause of death has not yet been determined.
LOS ANGELES – APRIL 20: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers laughs with father Joe Jelly Bean Bryant before playing the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Joe died just four and a half years after Kobe and Gigi lost their lives alongside seven other people in a tragic helicopter crash, January 26, 2020.
The beloved forward towered over others with his 6-foot-9 stature, and proudly displayed his athletic skills on the court. He was named the Public League Player of the Year in 1972, and averaged over 20 points and 11 rebounds over two seasons with La Salle, at the time, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Joe was reportedly the Golden State Warriors’ 1975 first-round pick, and played for the 76ers less than four months afterward. He played four seasons in his hometown, the outlet reported
He reportedly played for the Houston Rockets in the 1982-1983 season, and he soared with greater individual achievement when he played professionally in Europe, before he moved back to the Philadelphia area once more.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 27: Joe ‘Jelly Bean’ Bryant the father of Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on April 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Joe and Kobe’s father-son bond was close knit in childhood, but became strained soon after Kobe joined the Los Angles Lakers and sought independence from his family, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer
Fans and friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to Joe’s athletic legacy as they mourn this loss. (RELATED: ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Actress Shannen Doherty Dead At 53)
Information on funeral arrangements have not been publicly shared.
