Lawrence Tanter, the public address announcer known as the voice of the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away at the age of 76. The Lakers announced his death late Wednesday night following a decades-long run that made his voice one of the most recognizable sounds in basketball.
Tanter suffered a stroke late in the 2025-26 regular season, missing the Lakers’ last six home games and their playoff run. He retired from his role and transitioned to a special-advisor position in June before entering hospice care in August, with his passing leaving a void in the NBA world.
NBA World Mourns Iconic Lakers Announcer Lawrence Tanter
Tanter spent 43 seasons behind the microphone at Lakers home games beginning in 1982, his voice carrying through the “Showtime” years at The Forum, three consecutive NBA championships with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant from 2000 to 2002, the franchise’s move to Staples Center, and into the LeBron James era.
The Lakers shared an emotional statement Wednesday night, writing: “We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter. For 43 years, LT’s voice served as the soundtrack to Lakers games at the aren...