Joe Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s Dad, Passes Away At 69

Joe Bryant, Kobe Bryant

Joe Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s Dad, Passes Away At 69

Sad news!

Former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, has unfortunately passed away. According to reports,  the 69-year-old was dealing with a health issue and even recently suffered a massive stroke.

Just like his son, Joe Bryant played in the NBA, and in 1975 was a first-round pick for the Golden State Warriors. Months later, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and went on to play for the San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets before taking his talents overseas.

He also spent many years as a coach, even serving as the head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks from August 2005 until April 2007. He briefly held the position again in 2011 after Jennifer Gillom was fired.

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant

Reportedly, Joe Bryant and his son were once close, however, it’s said they lost their bond after Kobe Bryant joined the Los Angeles Lakers. On January 26, 2020, Kobe and his 14-year-old daughter, Gianna, as well as seven others, died in a tragic helicopter accident.

theJasmineBRAND is sending our love to the Bryant family during this difficult time.

[VIA]