Kobe Bryant's father Joe sadly passes away, aged 69

Joe Bryant, former NBA player and father of Kobe Bryant, has sadly passed away at the age of 69, according to a report.

Joe enjoyed a stellar career in the NBA, playing for the likes of Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, Houston Rockets.

In the NBA, Joe averaged over 8 points, 4 rebounds and nearly 2 assists a game.

He also worked as a coach at Las Vegas Rattlers and Los Angeles Sparks while taking gigs abroad in the United States, Japan and Thailand.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe recently suffered a 'massive stroke', causing his death.

Joe Bryant hugs his son Kobe before a game. Image: Getty

His passing comes four-and-a-half years after his son and his granddaughter Gigi, along with seven other people, died in a helicopter crash.

Joe was a first-round draft pick of Golden State Warriors in 1975. He was then sold to the 76ers less than four months later.

He spent four seasons with his hometown team, coming off the bench for the Sixers' 1976/77 team that advanced to the NBA championship finals.

He was affectionately named 'Jellybean' for his fondness of sweets.

Joe and his son had been particularly close throughout Kobe's childhood and decorated career at Lower Merion Hight School.

However, after Kobe moved to California to join Los Angeles Lakers, their relationship became 'strained' over time.

The report adds that Joe made no public comment about his son's death in 2020.