Lawrence Tanter, the longtime PA announcer of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, has died at the age of 76.
The heartbreaking news was revealed by the team on Wednesday, and comes just months after he hung up his mic at the end of an incredible 43-year run.
In a statement, the Lakers said: ‘We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter.
‘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.’
No cause of death has yet been announced for the Lakers icon, though ESPN reported that he had suffered a stroke back in March.
He only retired from his role in June, moving away from his public-facing role to become a special advisor for game presentation.
Lawrence Tanter, the voice of the Los Angeles Lakers for 43 years, has died at the age of 76
Tanter’s name appears on the scoreboard ahead of a Lakers game back in December 1990
Tanter spent 43 years as the voice of the franchise at home games, and at the time of his retirement was lauded by owner Jeanie Buss for ‘setting the tone for countless memorable moments with his professionalism, energy and signature booming voice.’
‘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,’ Buss said in June. ‘I am incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this franchise.’
Tanter, who is from Chicago, began his role with the Lakers in 1982 and they won 10 NBA titles during his time with the team.
When LeBron James became the first player in league history to score 50,000 combined points in the regular season and postseason in 2025, the team recognized the milestone during a next timeout.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, we all have just witnessed history,’ Tanter said.
Tanter only retired from his PA role back in June, a few months after suffering a stroke
Tanter was the voice heard at home games for many joyful moments, and a painful one in 2020.
Days after Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash, Tanter introduced each of the Lakers’ five starters as Bryant – drawing tears and cheers from the sellout crowd – before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
A towering presence at 6-foot-7, Tanter played basketball at high school and earned a scholarship to play at the University of Dubuque.
He moved to Southern California in the early 1970s, working at the radio station KJLH initially before joining the Lakers. The rest, as they say, is history.
