July 16 2024 Updated 1155 Pm

Obituary: Joe Bryant, Father of Late NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, Dies at 69

July 16, 2024, Updated 11:55 PM

Former NBA Player and Head Coach Passes Away

Joe Bryant, a former NBA player and the father of the late Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. The news was confirmed by the family's spokesperson, who stated that Bryant passed away on Friday night due to natural causes. Bryant, nicknamed "Jellybean," had a successful college career at La Salle University, where he averaged 20.1 points per game and led the Explorers to the NCAA Tournament in 1976. He was drafted into the NBA by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975 and played for several teams throughout his career, including the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. After retiring from playing, Bryant became a coach and led the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks to two championships in 2001 and 2002. He also served as the Sparks' head coach from 2005 to 2007 and again in 2011. Bryant's death comes four years after the tragic helicopter crash that killed his son, Kobe Bryant, and eight others. Kobe Bryant was considered one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Joe Bryant's passing is a significant loss for the basketball community and for those who knew him personally. He was a respected player, coach, and father who will be remembered for his contributions to the sport and his unwavering support for his family.