Another terrible loss for the Bryant family, sending prayers
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of the late Kobe Bryant, has passed away at 69 after suffering a stroke, according to La Salle University’s athletics department. Joe was a beloved figure at La Salle, where he played and later coached. He was a skilled basketball player, drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975 and played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, also spending time playing in Europe.
The 76ers honored him as a local basketball icon with a legacy that stretched from Bartram High School to La Salle and the NBA. His passing comes four years after the tragic deaths of his son Kobe and granddaughter Gianna in a helicopter crash.
Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, shared her condolences, remembering Joe as sweet and kind. Former teammates and friends, including Doug Young and Arn Tellem, praised Joe for his mentorship, warmth, and the deep bond he shared with his family. May he rest in peace.
