Magic Johnson pays tribute to Kobe Bryant’s “extraordinary” father Joe after his death: “I am devastated”

Magic Johnson mourns the loss of Joe Bryant.

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

“I am devastated to hear of the loss of my friend Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant,” Johnson began his post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The former Los Angeles Lakers player 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 photo from Johnson’s post, Joe and Kobe pose with the Larry O’Brien trophy after the Lakers’ NBA championship win in 2000. The second photo shows father and son smiling during a trip to the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Angels in 2009.

Johnson added: “A lot of people don’t know that he coached the LA Sparks in 2005, 2006 and 2011.”

“Joe was an extraordinary human being with a bright smile that could light up any room and a great husband and father,” Johnson continued in his tribute. “Cookie and I are praying for his wife Pam, his daughters Sharia and Shaya and the rest of the Bryant family, friends and all who loved Joe.”

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On Tuesday, July 16, the La Salle men’s basketball team (where Joe played and coached) issued a statement confirming the former athlete’s death at the age of 69.

“We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball star Joe Bryant,” the team said in a post on X. “Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-1975 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-1996. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be sorely missed.”

Joe was selected in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, but was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers before the start of the season.

During 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).

Besides Kobe, Joe has two daughters, Sharia and Shaya, with his wife Pam Bryant.