Who are Kobe Bryant’s Parents?

Kobe Bryant's strained relationship with his parents had been in the limelight for long. But who exactly are the NBA Legend's parents?


Who are Kobe Bryant’s Parents?

Kobe Bryant is undoubtedly one of the NBA’s all-time greats. Youngest of Pamela Cox and Joe Bryant’s three children, the Lakers legend was the only son of the couple. In a tragic helicopter crash, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant, Kobe left us for the eternal on January 26, 2020.

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So exactly how influential were Bryant’s parents in his basketball career? Joseph Bryant has been a former basketball player and coach in the NBA. On the other hand, Pamela Cox Bryant is the sister of former basketball player Chubby Cox. The fact that BOTH of his parents had connections to the NBA is not often acknowledged.

Related: How Many Rings Does Kobe Bryant Have?

Who are Kobe Bryant’s Parents? 

Kobe Bryant was the youngest child of Pamela Cox Bryant and Joseph Washington Bryant. Born in a family that had basketball passion running in their veins, Kobe’s imminent career in the NBA surely has his parents’ influence. 

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Kobe Bryant’s father, nicknamed “Jellybean” Joseph Washington Bryant, was a former NBA player and the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. Born on October 19th, 1954, Joe had played for multiple NBA clubs, namely the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and the Houston Rockets.

Born in 1954, Pamela Cox Bryant is the sister of former NBA player Chubby Cox. At just 21, Pam and Joe got married in 1975, and they had three children – Sharia, Shaya, and Kobe.

Friction with Parents

Although a happy family in the earlier stages of Kobe’s life, things started to sour between the NBA legend and his parents after he started dating his then-girlfriend Vanessa. His parents were not at all happy with Vanessa’s involvement in the family, as Bryant’s future wife did not belong to African American descent. 

With more friction coming up in the following years, Kobe grew distant from his parents. That period extended over two years until the birth of their first child, Natalia. 

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Joe and Pamela were then seen visiting more of Bryant’s games, notably during his 2010 NBA playoffs. However, things went downhill after his parents tried to auction off a special collection of Kobe’s career memorabilia – without the Star’s knowledge. 

This sparked a serious lawsuit between the player and his parents that ended with Joe and Pamela seeking a public apology from Kobe. At that point the strained relationships seemed well beyond repair.

It wasn’t until 2016 that the father-son duo were seen to have come to terms with each other and were reportedly seen hugging each other at an event. However, Joe and Pamela were absent during Kobe’s last ever NBA game.

Where do Kobe Bryant’s Parents Live?

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Pamela and Joe Bryant (source Getty)

Joe and Pamela Bryant have been living a quiet life as of late. As per multiple reports, the couple is currently living in Thailand. However, they have still remained quiet regarding their strained relationship with the NBA star – understandably out of respect for their late son.

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What did Kobe Bryant’s parents do for a living? 

Kobe’s father, Joseph Washington Bryant, was a former NBA player and basketball coach. He coached the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks from 2005-2007 and later in 2011. Pamela Bryant had lived a rather private life and had led a quiet life with her husband. 

What is the Estimated Net Worth of Kobe Bryant’s Parents? 

In retirement, Joe Bryant has an estimated net worth of about $5 million. Across his decade-and-a-half-long NBA career, Joe is said to have made $18 million from his salary alone. 

Pamela Bryant, on the other hand, has an estimated net worth of $2 million, with reports claiming she got almost $450,000 selling off Kobe’s career memorabilia. Later as the lawsuit ended, Joe and Pam issued an apology statement while also acknowledging Kobe’s financial support that the NBA star had provided throughout his career.

Kobe Bryant’s Parents’ Young Photos

Kobe Bryant's parents and siblings
Kobe Bryant with his parents and siblings (getty)
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Joe(right) Bryant and Kobe Bryant with Pamela Bryant (getty)
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Kobe Bryant with his father Joseph Washington Bryant (Getty)
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With mother Pamela Bryant (Getty)
Joe and Pam, Kobe Bryant's parents
Pamela Bryant with Joe Bryant at the NBA (Getty)

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