Legendary Lakers Announcer Lawrence Tanter Passes Away
Lawrence Tanter, the legendary public-address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers for 43 years, has died at 76. Known for his iconic voice and restrained style, Tanter was an integral part of the team's history, from the "Showtime" era to their recent championships. His unique contributions and signature calls will be deeply missed by the Lakers family and fans.
Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter, known affectionately as 'LT', has passed away at the age of 76, the team announced on Wednesday. Tanter, who retired in June, had been a cherished voice for the Lakers for 43 years, providing the soundtrack to countless games at the arena since the iconic 'Showtime' era of the 1980s. His enduring presence made him the longest-tenured PA announcer in the team's history, a legacy deeply mourned by the Lakers family.
Tanter's retirement earlier this year was prompted by a stroke he suffered late in the regular season, which led him to miss the Lakers' final six home games and subsequent playoffs. Shortly before entering hospice care, he shared a final poignant message with ESPN: "It's been a blessing." This sentiment encapsulates a career marked by dedication and a unique connection with the team and its fans.
Despite his imposing 6-foot-7 stature and a booming baritone voice, Tanter's announcing style was characterized by remarkable restraint and a silky-smooth delivery. His goal was always to inform the audience about Lakers' starting lineups, substitutions, fouls, and score announcements without ever distracting from the game itself. This distinctive approach was likely influenced by his parallel career as a disc jockey at various jazz radio stations in Los Angeles, a role often reflected in his attire at the arena, frequently featuring an eight-panel cap and a well-manicured white goatee.
LT was an integral part of the Lakers' tapestry, always present but never overshadowing the game. His signature call, "The Laker girlllssss," became an iconic moment during dance team performances. His role became particularly profound during the most recent championship season in 2019-20. Following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant in January 2020, Tanter delivered an emotional introduction for all five Lakers starters in their first game back, using the line: "6-6, 20th year out of Lower Merion High School, Kob-eeeeee Bryant!" Later, when the Lakers competed and won the NBA championship in the Orlando bubble, Tanter recorded player introductions from his home studio in Porter Ranch, ensuring his voice remained a part of the team's historic journey.
A Chicago native, Tanter played forward for his high school basketball team and earned a scholarship to the University of Dubuque in Iowa. Throughout his tenure with the Lakers, he was part of 10 championship teams and celebrated 16 Western Conference titles. Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss, upon Tanter's retirement announcement in June, acknowledged his immense contribution: "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... I am incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this franchise." While Jason Barquero, the PA announcer for the Lakers' G League affiliate, filled in during Tanter's absence last season, the team has yet to name a permanent successor for the upcoming 2026-27 season.