# Death of Los Angeles Lakers announcer Lawrence Tanter

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-los-angeles-lakers-announcer-lawrence-tanter
> Updated: 2026-10-04T20:10:48.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

Lawrence Tanter, the longtime public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers, has died at the age of 76.

Tanter had been with the franchise since 1982, serving for 43 years and witnessing 10 championship runs. His career included announcing iconic players such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. He was noted for his distinctive baritone voice, which the team described as the ‘soundtrack to Lakers games.’

Following a stroke in March 2026, Tanter retired from his primary role in June 2026 and transitioned into a position as a special adviser for game presentation. 

Known to fans as ‘LT,’ Tanter held the record for the most seasons served as a PA announcer for a single team. His tenure spanned from the ‘Showtime’ era to the 2020 NBA title at Crypto.com Arena.

Following his death, Lakers legends and players offered tributes. Magic Johnson called him ‘the sound of the Lakers franchise,’ LeBron James stated that Tanter ‘made home games SPECIAL,’ and other tributes were shared by Pau Gasol, Jeanie Buss, and Mychal Thompson, highlighting his deep connection to the team and the Los Angeles community.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Lawrence Tanter, longtime Los Angeles Lakers announcer, dies at 76

Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter has died at age 76 after 43 seasons with the team.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawrence-tanter-longtime-los-angeles-lakers-announcer-dies-at-76-2

### 2026-09-26: Lawrence Tanter, longtime Los Angeles Lakers announcer, dies at 76

Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter has died at age 76, leaving a legacy spanning 43 years and 10 championships.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawrence-tanter-longtime-los-angeles-lakers-announcer-dies-at-76-1

### 2026-09-24: Lawrence Tanter, legendary Los Angeles Lakers announcer, dies at 76

Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter has died at age 76 after a 43-year career with the franchise.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawrence-tanter-longtime-los-angeles-lakers-announcer-dies-at-76

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Cite as: Death of Los Angeles Lakers announcer Lawrence Tanter. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-los-angeles-lakers-announcer-lawrence-tanter