'I'm Devastated': Magic Johnson Pay...

Magic Johnson is mourning the loss of Joe Bryant

Published Time: 16.07.2024 - 21:31:13 Modified Time: 16.07.2024 - 21:31:13

Magic Johnson is mourning the loss of Joe Bryant.

Following the news that Joe, the father of late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, died at age 69, Johnson shared an emotional tribute to his friend on social media.

"I'm devastated to hear about the loss of my friend Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant," Johnson began in his post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The former Los Angeles Laker called Joe, who played eight seasons in the NBA, "not only a talented basketball player," but "also a great coach," and included two photos of Joe with Kobe.

In the first image from Johnson's post, Joe and Kobe are posing with the Larry O'Brien trophy following the Lakers' NBA championship in 2000. The second photo shows the father and son smiling during an outing to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers play the Angels in 2009.

Johnson went on to share that "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," Johnson continued in his tribute. "Cookie and I are praying for hi -

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s wife Pam, daughters Sharia and Shaya, and the rest of the Bryant family, friends, and all those who loved Joe."

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On Tuesday, July 16, the La Salle men's basketball team (where Joe played and coached) shared a statement confirming the former athlete had died at age 69.

"We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant," the team said in a post on X. "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."

Joe was drafted in the first round of the 1975 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, though he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers before the start of the season.

Over his eight seasons in the league, he also played for the Houston Rockets and the San Diego Clippers (who have since relocated to Los Angeles).

In addition to Kobe, Joe shared two daughters, Sharia and Shaya, with his wife Pam Bryant.