The one who imbibed the passion of basketball inside the Los Angeles Lakers legend late Kobe Bryant, Joe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. The former Philadelphia 76ers player succumbed to a stroke, as per La Salle University’s HC Fran Dunphy. La Salle was the place where Joe used to teach young kids the nuances of basketball. With the demise of such a legendary figure, the NBA community gathered to bid a final adieu to a basketball to ‘Jellybean’, including the league great Magic Johnson.

One of the greatest point guards of all time and an NBA Hall of Fame, Johnson could not stop himself from penning a note for a fellow legend from his era, “I’m devastated to hear about the loss of my friend Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant. Joe was not only a talented basketball player; he was also a great coach..” The close bond that Magic shared with Kobe’s father, Joe, was something different as he made a revelation in his goodbye message regarding Joe’s coaching career. “A lot of people don’t know that he coached the LA Sparks in 2005, 2006, and 2011!, “ Joe taught the WNBA team as per the NBA legend’s words.

All throughout his career, the late Kobe Bryant was point-blank focused solely on his career and the game dynamics; traits like these pass on from the ones who guide. Joe was Kobe’s guide, and even Magic could not stop himself from praising how marvelous Joe’s personality was. Sharing further in his note, Magic added, “Joe was an exceptional human being with a radiant smile that had the power to brighten any room, and a great husband and father.”

The image of Kobe with Joe that Magic shared with the Larry O’Brien Trophy echoed how jolly-natured person ‘Jellybean’ was and the legacy that Kobe continued further till his untimely demise.

When Joe Bryant once went on a rant against Magic Johnson

Late Kobe Bryant’s father, Joe Bryant, entered the 1975 NBA Draft class in the first round itself. The potential that he held was recognized by the Philadelphia 76ers front office as they chose for the 14th overall pick. However, then 21-year-old Joe could not make a lasting impact considering his first-round draft value. That’s why he mostly used to sit on the sidelines more like a reserved unit or second round of the roster. The scenario continued for about four years.

Ultimately, he got traded to the Clippers[S.D. Clippers] in 1979. It was the same year when Magic Johnson entered the draft class with 1st round and 1st pick. The Lakers front office picked him up, and his basketball charm worked as magic for the league. He dominated as a rookie with the freedom to make his plays. This infuriated Joe a little bit resulting in venting it out outside a Pennsylvania motel to two reporters, “He comes into the league with all that stuff, and they call it magic. I’ve been doing it all these years and they call it ‘schoolyard.”

Although Joe never bad-mouthed Sixers for his trade and understood the situation. Well, that’s water under the bridge and his soul has finally departed to the absolute destination. The father of late Kobe Bryant, who made Bryant’s family name immortal, even received acknowledgment from the NBA legend Magic Johnson. There can be nothing more magical than that, can it be?

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.