Kobe Bryant's Father, Joe Bryant, Dead At 69, Cause Of Death Revealed
The father of the late Kobe Bryant, Joe Bryant, has died.
He was 69.
On Tuesday, Fran Dunphy, La Salle University head coach told 'The Philadelphia Inquirer' that Bryant died after suffering a massive stroke.
La Salle University, where Joe played basketball and where he eventually returned as an assistant coach in 1993, confirmed his death online.
We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant.
— La Salle Men’s Basketball (@LaSalle_MBB) July 16, 2024
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. pic.twitter.com/A3sgZzVkkt
"We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant," the statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, read. "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."
Byrant, who was the head coach and assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks for parts of three seasons and also coached in various roles Japan and Thailand, was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 1975 NBA Draft as the 14th overall pick. Over eight NBA seasons, he played with the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, and the San Diego Clippers.
His death comes more than four years after his son and granddaughter, Gigi Bryant, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in California on January 26, 2020.
Kobe, a Los Angeles Lakers' legend, told 'Sports Illustrated' that his love for the game and the ability to see the game on multiple levels was inspired by his father.
"My father has this great understanding and compassion," Kobe said. "That's how I understand how to communicate with guys and lead a group."
