PH POP Casino ｜Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, Father of Late Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant, Succumbs to Stroke at Age 69
The basketball community is in mourning following the devastating news that Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away due to a stroke. The tragic event occurred late on the night of July 16, Taiwan time. Joe Bryant was 69 years old.
Joe Bryant, known affectionately as “Jellybean” due to his love for sweets, was a notable figure in the NBA during his playing days. Born in Philadelphia, he attended Bartram High School before making a significant impact in the 1975 NBA Draft. Selected by the Golden State Warriors, he was quickly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he began his professional basketball career.
Over the course of his NBA career, Joe Bryant played in 606 games, averaging 8.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His journey through the league included stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets. Beyond the NBA, Bryant also enjoyed a successful nine-year run in European basketball, particularly in Italy, before retiring from playing and moving into coaching, including a notable period with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
In recent years, Joe Bryant’s health had been deteriorating, culminating in the severe stroke that led to his passing. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, his death has sent shockwaves through the basketball world.
Joe Bryant and his son Kobe Bryant had a very close relationship during Kobe’s childhood and high school years. However, their relationship seemed to become more distant after Kobe joined the Lakers, with rumors of tension between them. Despite these rumors never being confirmed, Joe Bryant never publicly commented on his son’s death after Kobe’s tragic helicopter accident on January 26, 2020, leaving the public to speculate about their relationship.
Joe Bryant led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 1977, though they were ultimately defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers. In addition to his time with the 76ers, he also played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets. After his NBA career, he spent nine successful years playing in Europe, particularly in Italy. Following his playing career, Joe Bryant also coached the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, continuing his involvement in basketball. To learn more, please follow us at PH POP Casino. Stay focused and informed about the latest updates on online casinos in the Philippines. Keep yourself updated with important information regarding Philippine online casinos. ➔➔➔ KingGame, Money88, PGasia, Gold99.
