Longtime Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter died, the franchise announced on Wednesday night.
He was 76 years old.
“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. “For 43 years, LT’s voice served as the soundtrack to Lakers games at the arena. He will be remembered as a cherished member of the Lakers family.”
Tanter began working as the Lakers’ P.A. announcer during the 1982-83 season, with his signature smooth delivery and baritone voice being a fixture at the franchise’s home games for over 40 years.
The Lakers won 10 NBA championships during Tanter’s tenure with the franchise.
“A true original that added his unique style to Showtime,” Lakers governor and co-owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “Rest in peace, LT.”
Tanter retired as the Lakers’ P.A. announcer in June, ending a 43-season run, with the team saying at the time that he’d continue to work with the franchise as a special advisor for game presentation.
He was the longest tenured P.A. announcer in franchise history.
“Lawrence Tanter has been an integral part of the Lakers gameday experience for more than four decades, setting the tone for countless memorable moments with his professionalism, energy and signature booming voice,” Buss said in a statement in June. “Since the 1980s, LT has narrated every chapter of Lakers basketball, connecting generations of fans, players, coaches and staff while becoming a trusted and unforgettable part of the Lakers experience. I am incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this franchise.”
Tanter missed the Lakers’ last six regular season home games and the playoffs after a health setback.
ESPN reported that Tanter suffered a stroke in March.
The team didn’t name Tanter’s successor after his retirement.
Jason Barquero, the P.A. announcer for the Lakers’ G League affiliate, filled in for Tanter to close out the 2025-26 season.
“He’s an iconic voice,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said in March after Tanter’s first absence. “It’s almost a comfort level with him being in this arena.”
Tanter was born in Chicago in 1949.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Tanter played forward on his high school basketball team and earned a scholarship to play at the University of Dubuque.
He moved to Southern California in the early 1970s before working at radio station KJLH, and eventually joining the Lakers.
