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Longtime Lakers Announcer Lawrence Tanter Dies at 74
Confirmed
In Short: Lawrence Tanter, the longtime public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers, died Wednesday night.
Tanter, known as 'LT' to Lakers fans, served as the team's PA announcer for 43 seasons, beginning in 1982.
His calm, smooth delivery became synonymous with the Lakers, accompanying the team through several generations of star players and 10 NBA championship runs.
Tanter's voice was a defining part of the Lakers' identity, often introducing the team's starting lineups and dance routines with a signature call of 'The Laker girlllssss.
The Lakers announced Tanter's death Wednesday night, expressing deep sadness over his passing.
Tanter had retired from his regular game-day role in June and moved into a special advisory position with the Lakers' game presentation team.
He had suffered a stroke late in the regular season and missed the Lakers' last six home games, plus the playoffs.
Despite his imposing 6-foot-7 frame, Tanter's presentation relied on restraint, using a silky-smooth delivery to inform rather than distract the audience.
Tanter's role was particularly poignant during the Lakers' most recent championship season in 2019-20.
During the NBA's pandemic-era bubble in 2020, Tanter recorded game introductions from his home studio to help recreate the familiar atmosphere of Lakers basketball.
Tanter's career extended beyond the Lakers, where he also built a long career in Southern California radio, working as a disc jockey for various stations.
Lakers governor and co-owner Jeanie Buss said Tanter was 'a true original that added his unique style to Showtime.
What's confirmed
- The Los Angeles Lakers are mourning the loss of Lawrence Tanter, the longtime public address announcer whose voice became a defining part of the franchise for more than four decades.
- The Lakers announced his death Wednesday night.
- Tanter, known to Lakers fans as “LT,” served as the team’s PA announcer for 43 seasons.
- "We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter," the team wrote in a statement shared on its social media accounts.
- He went on to be a part of 10 Lakers championships and 16 Western Conference titles.
What's still developing
- Tanter began announcing Lakers games at The Great Western Forum during the 1982-83 season.
- Tanter channeled his parallel career as a disc jockey at various jazz radio stations in L.A. when he reported to the arena, often wearing an eight-panel cap atop his head and sporting a well-manicured white goatee on his chin.
- Last month, shortly before entering into hospice care, Tanter texted ESPN.
- Let’s look at how the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, Suns and Kings approached the offseason ahead of the 2026-27 season.
- The Lakers pick up a shot blocker in Walker Kessler, who missed most of last season with a left shoulder injury.
- Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves will look to spearhead a new-look Lakers squad.