Joe Bryant, the father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away, four years after the tragic and untimely death of his son.
Joe Bryant was a professional basketball player in his day, as a 6ft 10in forward who played for the Clippers and the Rockets among others. He also had a career in Europe, playing for eight years in Italy, where Kobe was partially raised, as well as a spell with French side Mulhouse.
After his playing career, Joe went on to become a coach for various teams, including WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks as well as teams in Thailand and Japan.
Joe Bryant cause of death
The father of Kobe Bryant passed away at the age of 69 after suffering a stroke.
His death comes just four years after the tragic helicopter crash that took the life of his son Kobe Bryant, and his granddaughter Gigi Bryant, 13.
Kobe and Joe are said to have been close throughout the NBA Hall-of-Famer’s youth, which was spread between Philadelphia and Italy. This continued throughout Kobe’s time at Lower Merion High School.
However, according to the Inquirer, their relationship soured after Kobe joined the Los Angeles Lakers where he went on to become one of the greats of the game. This, according to the publication, was down to the fact that Kobe sought independence from his family.