Lawrence Tanter, Longtime Los Angeles Lakers PA Announcer, Dies at 76
The longtime public address announcer was remembered for his baritone calls and 43 years as the soundtrack to Lakers games.
- On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that longtime public address announcer Lawrence Tanter has died at age 76. Tanter served as the team's voice for 43 years since 1982.
- Known for his smooth, baritone voice, Tanter became synonymous with the Lakers during the 'Showtime' era, narrating 10 championships and 16 Western Conference titles alongside stars from Magic Johnson to LeBron James.
- Beyond his gameday role, Tanter was a 6-foot-7 jazz radio disc jockey who greeted everyone with warmth. Fans remember his signature calls: "Kobeee Bryant" and "Laker girlllsss."
- Following a stroke in March, Tanter retired from his courtside post in June, transitioning to a role as "Special Advisor for Game Presentation." The team has not yet named a successor for 2026-27.
- Lakers governor Jeanie Buss called Tanter a "true original," while tributes from broadcasters poured in across social media. His legacy endures through his 2020 pandemic-bubble player introductions that helped the Lakers win the championship.
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56 Articles
"Deeply Saddened": Legendary Lakers Announcer Dies Months After NBA Retirement
The Los Angeles Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world are mourning a profound loss. The franchise announced the passing of legendary public address announcer Lawrence Tanter on September 23, 2026. Known affectionately across the NBA as “LT,” the iconic “voice of the Lakers” died at the age of 76, just months after stepping […]
Lakers Icon Lawrence Tanter Dead at 76: Cause of Death Revealed?
That booming voice that lit up Staples Center-turned-Crypto.com Arena is no more. Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter has died at 76, the team announced Wednesday night.“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter,” the Lakers said in a statement Wednesday. […]
Fort Smith/Fayetteville News
Lawrence Tanter, the LA Lakers' announcer for more than 40 years, has died
From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Tanter had a front-row seat to some of basketball's greatest stars.
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