Joe Bryant, Kobe's father, dies at age 69

Philadelphia native Joe "Jelly Bean" Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69, according to LaSalle University and multiple news outlets.

Joe Bryant was born in Philadelphia and went to John Bartrum High School and LaSalle University.

He played for the 76ers from 1975-1979, as well as the San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets before going overseas to play from 1983-1991, becoming an Italian basketball star.

Joe and his wife Pam Cox welcomed Kobe Bryant into the world in 1978, who became one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and others tragically died in a helicopter crash in January of 2020.

Joe Bryant spent time as a coach after his playing career. He was an assistant for LaSalle and the head coach of the WNBA LA Sparks from 2005-2007 and again in 2011.