Joe Bryant, father of NBA great Kobe Bryant, dead at 69

Joe Bryant, a former NBA player and the father of Lakers' legend Kobe Bryant, died after suffering a massive stroke this week. He was 69.

Former NBA player Joe Bryant, the father of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, has died. He was 69. 

La Salle head coach Fran Dunphy told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Tuesday that Bryant passed away after recently suffering a massive stroke. His death comes more than four years after his son and granddaughter, Gigi, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Southern California.  

Seven other people onboard also died in that crash. 

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La Salle University, where Joe Bryant played and eventually returned as an assistant coach in 1993, confirmed the news on social media. 

"We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant," the statement posted to X 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." 

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