Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Passes Away at 69

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, former NBA player and father of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, has died at 69. La Salle University, where Bryant played and coached, shared the news, stating he was “a beloved member of the Explorer family.” No official cause of death has been released, though Bryant reportedly suffered a severe stroke recently, according to Fran Dunphy, La Salle’s head coach.

Since Kobe’s tragic death in a 2020 helicopter crash, Joe had maintained a low profile. Kobe once credited his father for teaching him how to approach basketball with skill and strategy.

Joe Bryant’s basketball journey began at La Salle, averaging 20.8 points per game before being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers, and Rockets, and later spent over a decade playing abroad before transitioning into coaching.

Condolences from basketball figures, including Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, and former players, reflect Joe Bryant’s lasting impact on the sport and those he mentored.