Lawrence Tanter, legendary Los Angeles Lakers announcer, dies at 76

Lawrence Tanter, the longtime public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers, has died at the age of 76. The franchise announced his passing on Wednesday, noting that his voice had served as the “soundtrack to Lakers games” for 43 years.

Known affectionately as “LT,” Tanter began his tenure with the team in 1982. His career spanned several iconic eras of the franchise, including the “Showtime” dynasty, and he announced players ranging from Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. He was recognized for his distinctive baritone voice and a style characterized by restraint and clarity.

Tanter retired from his primary role in June 2026 after suffering a stroke in March. Following his retirement, he transitioned into a role as a special adviser for game presentation. He was a member of the Southern California Sports Broadcaster Hall of Fame and had also worked as a radio disc jockey in the Los Angeles area.