Kobe Bryant’s dad, 69, dies four years after basketball legend died in devastating helicopter crash

KOBE BRYANT’S dad, Joe Bryant, has died at the age of 69.

The former basketball star and coach reportedly suffered a “massive stroke” recently.

Getty

Kobe Bryant’s father Joe has passed away[/caption]

Getty

Bryant had an eight year career in the NBA[/caption]

Getty

He was also head coach of WNBA team the LA Sparks[/caption]

Joe Bryant’s death comes four and a half years after his son Kobe – 41 at the time – and granddaughter Gigi, 13, lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash.

Bryant’s basketball career spanned top NBA teams such as the 76ers, Clippers and Rockets.

The towering 6ft 9inch forward was a first round draft pick for the Golden State Warriors in the 1975 NBA Draft.

As well as his time in the NBA, he also played professionally in Europe – finding success during his time in Italy.

While his coaching career saw him take control of teams in the USA, Japan and Thailand – notably heading up WNBA side the LA Sparks.

Bryant was affectionately nicknamed ‘Jellybean’ thanks to his sweet tooth.

Tributes have already started to pour in for the much-loved character.

Bryant’s college basketball team La Salle University, took to X to write: “We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant.

“Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96.

“He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”

Joe Bryant was said to have a close relationship with son Kobe throughout his childhood, but according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, saw their relationship strain after Kobe joined the LA Lakers.

Bryant Sr had made no public comment about Kobe’s death in 2020.

Kobe and daughter Gianna lost their lives along with seven others when their helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California in January of 2020.

Getty

Kobe Bryant and dad Joe were said to be close during Kobe’s childhood[/caption]

Getty

Their relationship reportedly became strained later in life[/caption]