Lakers Legend Lawrence Tanter Retires After Incredible 40-Year Run
Lawrence Tanter, the iconic voice of the Los Angeles Lakers for over 40 years, is retiring from his public address announcer role. Known for his signature baritone and integral presence, Tanter will transition to an advisory position following a recent health setback, leaving a lasting legacy with the franchise.
Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter has announced his retirement after an illustrious career spanning more than 40 years, the team confirmed on Tuesday. Tanter, 76, who became synonymous with the Lakers' gameday experience, will transition into an advisory role for the team's game presentation.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss lauded Tanter's profound impact, stating that he has been an "integral part" of the franchise's gameday experience for over four decades. Buss highlighted his professionalism, energy, and distinctive booming voice, which has set the tone for countless memorable moments. Since the 1980s, Tanter, affectionately known as LT by fans, narrated every significant chapter of Lakers basketball, fostering a connection across generations of fans, players, coaches, and staff, thereby becoming an unforgettable part of the Lakers' identity. Buss expressed immense gratitude for his extensive contributions to the franchise.
Tanter's retirement follows a recent health challenge; he suffered a stroke in March, according to sources close to ESPN. This health setback led him to miss the final six home games of the regular season and the subsequent playoffs. Sources indicate that Tanter is currently undergoing rehabilitation for the stroke. In his absence, Jason Barquero, the P.A. announcer for the Lakers' G League affiliate, stepped in to finish the season. The team has not yet named a successor for Tanter.
Known simply as LT, Tanter's smooth, baritone voice became the iconic soundtrack for Lakers games over 43 seasons, making him the longest-tenured P.A. announcer in team history. His distinct delivery, honed by a parallel career as a disc jockey for various jazz radio stations in Los Angeles, was legendary. His signature call, a drawn-out announcement of "The Laker girlllssss" as the dance team concluded their routine, became a fan favorite.
Tanter's role was particularly poignant during the Lakers' championship season in 2019-20. Following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant in January 2020, Tanter delivered a deeply emotional tribute by introducing all five Lakers starters with the same line: "6-6, 20th year out of Lower Merion High School, Kob-eeeeee Bryant!" Later that season, when the Lakers competed and won the NBA title in the Orlando, Florida, bubble, Tanter recorded player introductions from a home studio in the Porter Ranch area of Los Angeles, which were then played before games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, ensuring his voice remained a consistent presence despite the unprecedented circumstances.
Beyond his announcing career, Tanter also has a personal connection to basketball, having played forward for his high school team. His talent earned him a scholarship to attend the University of Dubuque in Iowa.