The Bryant family has suffered another devastating loss. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. Joe Bryant, a former professional basketball player himself, had a significant influence on Kobe’s life and career. His death, which occurred just four years after Kobe’s tragic passing in a helicopter crash, has added another layer of grief to an already heartbroken family.
A Life Steeped in Basketball For Kobe Bryant’s Family
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, right, has a laugh with his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, prior to participating in a pickup basketball game at Loyola Marymount on July 5, 2007
Joe Bryant’s life was deeply rooted in basketball, both as a player and coach. A forward who played in the NBA for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Diego Clippers, he spent the latter part of his playing career in Italy.
Where his young son Kobe honed his basketball skills. Kobe often credited his father’s professional experience for shaping his own path to NBA stardom. After retiring from playing, Joe transitioned into coaching, including stints in Japan and the WNBA.
The Challenges of Father-Son Relationships
Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Gianna Maria Onore and Natalia Diamante at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards 2016 held at the UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, USA on July 14, 2016.
Though Joe and Kobe shared a passion for basketball, their relationship wasn’t without its challenges. Tensions between the two grew in the early 2000s, reportedly due to Kobe’s decision to marry his wife, Vanessa, at a young age.
Despite these difficulties, the two reconnected later in life, especially after Kobe became a father himself. Joe Bryant’s passing leaves a complicated legacy, both as a father who lost his son tragically and as a man whose basketball journey mirrored Kobe’s early years.
Tributes from the Basketball World
Following the news of Joe Bryant’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the basketball community for the Bryant Family.
Former colleagues and players have shared memories of Joe’s approachable personality, basketball knowledge, and how he made a positive impact on and off the court. His coaching career, particularly with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, left a lasting influence on many young players. “Joe was a true basketball mind,” a former colleague said. Reflecting on the depth of his knowledge and his unique ability to mentor young talent.
A Legacy Carried by the Bryant Name
Joe Bryant’s death marks another chapter in the complex yet significant legacy of Kobe Bryant’s Family. From the streets of Philadelphia to the courts of the NBA and beyond, Joe’s life had a profound impact on those who knew him.
His influence, both in Kobe’s career and in his own right as a player and coach, will be remembered by many in the basketball world. His passing is a reminder of the personal and professional sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to the game.
Final Farewell
As the basketball world mourns the loss of Joe Bryant, his memory will continue to inspire the next generation of players.
Both for his contributions on the court and his role in shaping Kobe Bryant into the icon he became. The Bryant family’s strength and resilience in the face of repeated tragedies is a testament to their enduring legacy in the sport and beyond.
Sources
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, dies at age 69” ESPN. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, dies at age 69” ABC News. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s father, dies at 69” USA Today. Scooby Axson. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69” LA Times. Steve Henson. July 16, 2024.
Julia Roberts Shares Rare Photo of Son Henry on His ‘Beautiful’ 17th Birthday
Henry, Julia Roberts’ “beautiful” son, turns 17 today: a rare look at her youngest Julia Roberts celebrated her youngest son’s 17th birthday on Instagram with a beautiful picture. Despite the unexpected image—Julia is typically known to be reticent about her children—she and her spouse have previously revealed incredible photos of Henry Moder that have left people in awe.ư
Date: June 29, 2024 Writer: James William None to say Henry, Julia Roberts’ “beautiful” son, turns 17 today: a rare look at her youngest Julia Roberts celebrated her youngest son’s 17th birthday on Instagram with a beautiful picture. Despite the unexpected image—Julia is typically known to be reticent about her children—she and her spouse have previously revealed incredible photos of Henry Moder that have left people in awe. A very happy birthday to the kid of Hollywood’s most renowned couple, Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder! Henry Moder, the youngest member of their family, turned seventeen on June 18. A flurry of encouraging remarks have been left on social media by his loving mother, who celebrated the joyous occasion with a number of beautiful mother-son messages. In the photo, the “Pretty Woman” actress is seen looking down at Henry, who is still a newborn. Her eyes are shining with delight and affection. The curious and charming baby seems absorbed in something outside of the frame, cradled in his mother’s protective arms.
Julia expressed both her pride and her shock in a succinct yet beautiful caption she penned for the picture. It’s incredible how this little child has developed into a fantastic 17-year-old! She wrote, “Happy Birthday, Henry! You are beautiful.” Although Julia and Henry’s father, Daniel, respect their children’s privacy, on occasion the pair provides exclusive photos and videos of their children. Daniel in particular has been entertaining fans on social media with videos of Henry, Hazel, and Phinnaeus Moder enjoying a good time, showcasing precious family moments.
Daniel posted a video on Instagram of Henry showing off his skating skills at a skate park. In the slow-motion video, the child can be seen riding his skateboard up an incline while wearing dark pants and an olive-colored t-shirt.Henry succeeds in turning the board around at the top of the ramp, putting his gorgeous face in the frame of the camera. Then, when the camera pans closer, his attractive eyes and face are shown in close-up.Daniel shared the incredible footage on June 18, 2021, in observance of Henry’s 14th birthday. The springs twist and swirl, swaying fourteen times in the air. Ya Henry,” the proud father captioned the photo.
In the post’s comment area, followers of the now-17-year-old were applauding and thanking him in addition to sharing their thoughts on which parent Henry most resembled. “He looks just like you. Nice child, said one of his supporters.In agreement, a second person remarked, “Looks precisely like his Dad!lovely offspring While acknowledging the father-son likeness, the other individual also highlighted Henry’s mother, remarking, “Has mom’s hair.” There is no denying that child. Hehe.On the other hand, a commenter on Instagram said, “This family obviously has no Roberts genes at all!” Once more, after Henry’s father-lookalike shared an earlier picture of his child on social media, people swarmed to the comments area.
Henry is seen in the 2018 picture posing casually stylish in a lighthouse. The boy on skates looked down at the camera, his long hair falling in a carefree way to frame his face.”Look closely to see the star spangled shorts,” Daniel captioned the surreal picture. One cool young person…Happy Fourth of July from a lighthouse near the Cape. Beneath the picture, an admirer remarked, “Handsome Henry,” and another, “Julia’s eyes.”Whether or not Henry and his siblings look alike, Julia is still incredibly in love with them. She has often boasted about them and places her responsibilities as a mother above all else.
During an interview promoting her latest movie, “Ticket to Paradise,” Julia was asked how she defined herself as a homemaker by the interviewer. “When I’m not working, that’s my full-time job,” stated the mother of three. Though it’s not all sunshine and kittens, I am really delighted about it.
She also discussed her unique bond with Henry, whom she refers to as her breakfast partner as they both benefit much from that most important meal of the day. I love breakfast, thus it’s my favorite meal. My morning buddy is my younger son Henry,” Julia remarked.The interviewer was so aware of the “Notting Hill” actress’s love of breakfast that they made a joke about how the interview would keep her from eating with Henry Moder. Yes, in fact! We love eating breakfast! With a smile, Julia Roberts concurred.
Julia loves her twins Phinnaeus and Hazel in addition to Henry. As her lone daughter joined her father, a cinematographer, at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival to promote his film “Flag Day,” Julia spoke affectionately about Hazel. The audience was captivated by the father-daughter exchange and shocked by how much Daniel looked like her.Hazel, then sixteen, wore a stylish yet laid-back outfit for the well-known event. She wore black Mary Janes with big heels and a yellow button-down dress with floral lace embroidery. Her fair hair was likewise tied back into a ponytail by her. On the other hand, her father looked dapper in a black suit.Hazel’s parents, especially her mother, expressed her happiness with her behavior, praising her for her excellent behavior. Recalling the exceptional event, Julia praised her daughter and made fun of their arguments on her appearance and her self-assured refusal to apply eyeliner, remarking, “That girl is unique.”The innocence really is so lovely.
When fans saw pictures of the young lady on her father’s arm, they complimented Hazel’s looks and labeled her pretty, but they also made note of the physical differences between Julia and Hazel. “She’s lovely but you’d never guess who her mom is…they really are not alike at all,” a supporter commented.
Another person said something like, “She doesn’t look anything like her Mum.” While some people stated that Hazel resembles her father more than Julia, others pointed out that the two are not the same. Even while many people thought Hazel and Julia didn’t look identical, many still complimented the 19-year-old on her good looks.
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