(Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images)
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69.
Countless memorials and sincere messages came were released after the announcement of Bryant’s death, including one from Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
On Twitter, Johnson shared a heartfelt message about Bryant.
He wrote:
“I’m devastated to hear about the loss of my friend Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant. Joe was not only a talented basketball player; he was also a great coach. A lot of people don’t know that he coached the LA Sparks in 2005, 2006, and 2011! Joe was an exceptional human being with a radiant smile that had the power to brighten any room, and a great husband and father. Cookie and I are praying for his wife Pam, daughters Sharia and Shaya, and the rest of the Bryant family, friends, and all those who loved Joe.”
I’m devastated to hear about the loss of my friend Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant. Joe was not only a talented basketball player; he was also a great coach. A lot of people don’t know that he coached the LA Sparks in 2005, 2006, and 2011! Joe was an exceptional… pic.twitter.com/BOZDg35YYi
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 16, 2024
The cause of death hasn’t been revealed but reports state that Bryant recently suffered a massive stroke.
As noted by Johnson, Bryant had a long affiliation with the sport.
He was a first-round draft pick by the Golden State Warriors back in 1975 before later being signed by the Philadelphia 76ers.
He stayed in the league for eight seasons and averaged 8.7 points and 4 rebounds.
Although he never had a huge impact on the NBA, he was a hero for many in the Philadelphia basketball scene.
He also coached both in America and internationally.
Following the death of his son in 2020, fans didn’t see much of Bryant.
But now that he’s passed, people are remembering his life, his career, and his place in basketball history.
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