Former NBA player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, father of the late Kobe Bryant, passed away at 69 after suffering a massive stroke, as confirmed by La Salle coach Fran Dunphy. Joe Bryant played for La Salle from 1973-1975 and had an eight-year NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. After his NBA career, he played nine seasons in Europe. Bryant also had a successful coaching career, including stints with the Los Angeles Sparks and in Japanese professional basketball. Known for his own basketball accomplishments, he is most remembered as Kobe Bryant's father. Kobe, a Lakers legend, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020 at the age of 41, alongside his daughter Gianna. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, expressed her condolences on social media, reflecting on Joe Bryant's kind and sweet nature.