The father of legendary NBA legend Kobe Bryant, Joe Bryant, has died at 69.
According to People, Joe Bryant suffered a massive stroke.
Joe was a basketballer at La Salle and Bartram High School before he joined the NBA.
La Salle confirmed the news on X, writing:
“We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant. Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”
Joe Bryant Played Eight Seasons In The NBA
After he graduated from La Salle, the Golden State Warriors chose Joe in the first round of the NBA draft.
However, Joe never played for the team.
And four months after the draft, the Golden State Warriors sold Joe’s rights to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Joe played eight seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets.
Then Joe moved overseas, playing in Italy and France.
The family moved back to the United States when Kobe was 13.
They resettled in Philadelphia, and Kobe went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
After Joe retired, he coached basketball at home and internationally–including one year as the head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Joe and his wife Pam Bryant also have two daughters, Shaya and Sharia.
