It was reported on Tuesday that the father of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant had passed away. Former NBA player turned head coach Joe Bryant reportedly succumbed to a massive stroke as he now joins his son in the afterlife.
Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, has now reacted to his father-in-law’s passing.
Los Angeles Lakers News: Vanessa Bryant’s Heartfelt Message for Kobe’s Father
Vanessa took to X, formerly Twitter, shortly after news broke of Joe’s death to send a heartfelt message of condolence. She admitted that she did not have a strong bond with Joe, but Vanessa also made it clear that he was “always sweet and nice” whenever they got the chance to spend time together:
Vanessa Bryant on Joe Bryant’s passing: pic.twitter.com/Y1FeTDpFgd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 16, 2024
Joe Bryant played in the NBA between 1975 and 1983. He was the No. 14 overall pick of the 1975 Draft and throughout his eight-year NBA career, he suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Diego Clippers, and the Houston Rockets.
Bryant also served as the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA for three seasons.
Despite all that he achieved in his career, there’s no denying that Bryant is most well known for being the father of the late, great Kobe Bryant, who himself passed away in 2021 after a tragic helicopter accident. I don’t think he would mind this too much, though, considering how his son had one of the most iconic careers in league history.
Joe passed away at the age of 69. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bryant family in these dire times.
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