Joe Bryant, father of Kobe, dies at 69
- Joe Bryant reportedly suffered a stroke recently
- He played in the NBA from 1975-1983
- Son Kobe Bryant, granddaughter killed 5 years ago in helicopter accident
Closeup of Kobe Bryant with his father Joe Bryant during Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs Los Angeles Dodgers game. Anaheim, CA 6/21/2009
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(NewsNation) — Joe Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69, per multiple reports.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Bryant suffered a major stroke recently.
Bryant’s death comes almost five years since the passing of his son and granddaughter Gigi during a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
Notwithstanding his son’s incredible NBA resume, Bryant was a formidable basketball player in his own right.
Bryant was a first round pick in 1975 to the Golden State Warriors. He played nine seasons in the NBA with the Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets.
As is widely known among basketball fans, he then embarked on an international career that stretched ten years and led to Kobe being partly raised in Italy.
Bryant had a lengthy coaching career which included roles in Italy, Japan, Thailand and in Los Angeles with the WNBA’s Sparks.