Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, former NBA player and father of the late Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69 after suffering a massive stroke. Bryant, a 6-foot-9 forward, played eight NBA seasons with the 76ers, Clippers, and Rockets before continuing his career overseas in Italy and France. Post-retirement, he transitioned to coaching, including stints with the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks and various international teams. His relationship with Kobe became strained over time but reportedly improved before Kobe's death. Bryant's passing comes four and a half years after Kobe and his granddaughter Gigi died in a helicopter crash. La Salle University, where Bryant starred before his NBA career, confirmed his death and mourned his loss.