He is Kobe’s father
Joe Bryant, born in Philadelphia on October 19, 1954, is a former NBA professional basketball player who played for Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, Houston Rockets. Joe Bryant was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 1975 NBA Draft and was immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He helped the 76ers reach the Finals in 1977, but unfortunately lost to the Portland Trail Blazers. After retiring, he coached the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks from August 22, 2005 to April 4, 2007, and then coached the Italian basketball club Solsonica Rieti. He is the father of NBA Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.