Joe Bryant, Kobe's Dad, Dead At 69

11:38 AM PT -- Kobe's wife, Vanessa Bryant, just addressed Joe's passing ... sharing her condolences and reflecting on his relationship with the family.

"We hoped things would've been different," Vanessa said on Tuesday. "Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around."

"Kobe loved him very much."

Former NBA player Joe Bryant -- the father of Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant -- has died at 69 years old.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe recently battled a health issue ... and suffered a massive stroke.

Joe -- famously nicknamed "Jellybean" -- was a first-round pick to the Golden State Warriors in 1975 ... and played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets before heading overseas.

He had a stellar career in Europe from 1983-1991 ... most notably becoming a star for several Italian basketball organizations.

In the NBA, Joe averaged over 8 points, 4 rebounds and nearly 2 assists a game.

Following his playing career, Joe spent time as a head coach at every level ... and led the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks from 2005-07 and 2011.

Joe married Pam Cox in 1975 ... and they welcomed their son, Kobe, in 1978, who eventually became one of the greatest athletes to ever lift a basketball.

Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, as well as seven others, died in a tragic helicopter accident in January 2020. He was just 41 years old, and Gigi was 13.