NBA World Mourns Tragic News Regarding Kobe Bryant's Father

NBA fans are in mourning following the news that former eight-year NBA veteran Joe Bryant, the father of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, has died.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that "Bryant recently suffered a massive stroke."

Bryant played 606 career NBA games. He began his career in 1975-76 with the 76ers. Following for seasons in Philadelphia, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant played for the San Diego Clippers (1979-80 to 1981-82) and the Houston Rockets (1982-83).

Follwing his career, Joe's son, Kobe Bryant, etched his name into the list of all-time greats.

Kobe was an 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion. He died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with his oldest daughter, Gianna Bryant, and seven other passengers.

Despite having a strained relationship over the sale of personal memorabilia, Kobe and Joe were in the process of mending their rift at the time of Kobe's death.

"Rest in Heaven," wrote one social media commenter, a sentiment shared by several others.

Joe Bryant also coached the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks.

He served in an interim role during the 2005 and 2011 seasons while having the full-time job in 2006, when he led the team to 25-9 record and the Western Conference Finals.