Longtime Lakers PA announcer Lawrence Tanter dies at 76: NBA world pays tribute to legendary voice

Lawrence Tanter, who served as the public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers for 43 years, has died, the team announced on social media on Sept. 23. He was 76 years old. "Lawrence Tanter, forever in our hearts as a member of the Lakers family," the Lakers posted on X, formerly Twitter, wit

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Lakers announce passing of longtime PA announcer Lawrence Tanter

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Lawrence Tanter, who served as the public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers for 43 years, has died, the team announced on social media on Sept. 23. He was 76 years old.

"Lawrence Tanter, forever in our hearts as a member of the Lakers family," the Lakers posted on X, formerly Twitter, with a purple heart emoji.

The post was accompanied by the following statement announcing Tanter's death: "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 arena. He will be remembered as a cherished member of the Lakers family."

Lawrence Tanter, forever in our hearts as a member of the Lakers family 💜 pic.twitter.com/IOmRECqu8m

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 24, 2026

Tanter, who began working for the Lakers in 1982, announced his retirement at the end of the 2025-26 season but planned to stick around the team as "Special Advisor for Game Presentation," the Lakers announced in June. Per ESPN, Tanter suffered a stroke in March 2026 and missed the Lakers' final six home games of the regular season and the playoffs.

NBA world reacts to Lawrence Tanter's death

Tanter was a beloved individual throughout the NBA landscape. Social media tributes poured in immediately once the news was made public.

NBA insider Marc Stein said Lakers games will never be the same in an X post.

Lakers home games will never sound the same again without Lawrence Tanter.An absolute honor to know and work alongside LT … but most of all just to listen to that signature voice.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 24, 2026

Andscape and ESPN senior writer Marc J. Spears also poured out a tribute, calling Tanter "the best PA announcer in the NBA, if not all American sports."

Mr. Tanter was the best PA announcer in the NBA, if not all American sports, for decades. Legend. Magical deep voice. Always an honor to talk to him before Lakers games in media dining. Extremely sad news. Rest in Peace. You and your legendary voice will be forever missed. 🕊️🙏🏽❤️

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 24, 2026

Here's a look at other reaction to the sad news:

An iconic, indelible part of Lakers history, and a truly nice person on top of that. Lawrence Tanter will be very missed. AK https://t.co/6N88oLyoez
— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) September 24, 2026

RIP, legend. Feels like a piece of us is gone after growing up listening to LT’s voice at Laker games. https://t.co/YNxs5Z6KYj
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) September 24, 2026