Kobe Bryant’s father dies of stroke 4 years after son’s plane crash

The Bryant family is suffering another devastating loss.

copy printfather Joe BryantLaSalle University coach dies after suffering stroke Fran Dunphy Confirmed Philadelphia Inquirer He was reported dead on July 16. He was 69 years old.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend’s father was an NBA star who played as a forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers (now the Los Angeles Clippers) and Houston Rockets. He later moved into coaching, leading teams overseas as well as the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s Basketball League from 2005 to 2007.

Joe, who was also nicknamed “Jelly Bean” for his love of the candy, was a first-round pick by the Golden State Warriors in 1975, before his rights were quickly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers four months later. After eight seasons in the NBA, he moved overseas to play soccer, playing primarily in Italy before settling with his family in Philadelphia.

In addition to Kobe, Joe has daughters. Islamic Law And He hits—Kobe’s older sisters—with his wife Pamela Bryant.