Joe Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, passed away at age 69 after suffering a massive stroke on July 16, 2024. Lakers icon Magic Johnson expressed deep sorrow over the news.
“I’m devastated to hear about the loss of my friend Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant,” Johnson tweeted.
He continued, “Joe was not only a talented basketball player; he was also a great coach. A lot of people don’t know that he coached the LA Sparks in 2005, 2006, and 2011!”
“Joe was an exceptional human being with a radiant smile that had the power to brighten any room, and a great husband and father.”
“Cookie and I are praying for his wife Pam, daughters Sharia and Shaya, and the rest of the Bryant family, friends, and all those who loved Joe.”
I'm devastated to hear about the loss of my friend Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant.
