Who was Lawrence Tanter? Los Angeles Lakers announcer passes away at 76, tributes pour in for the team’s legend

The Los Angeles Lakers are mourning the death of longtime public address announcer Lawrence Tanter, who died at the age of 76. The team announced his passing on Wednesday night, bringing an end to the career of one of the most recognisable voices in Lakers history. Tanter was the voice of Lakers games for 43 years, from 1982 through 2026, and became a familiar presence for generations of fans at the arena.Tanter’s cause of death has not been revealed as of Thursday morning. The Chicago-born announcer had retired from his regular PA role in June after more than four decades with the franchise. However, he was expected to remain involved with the Lakers in game presentation work. His death comes months after he suffered a stroke in March.Who was Lawrence Tanter?Lawrence Tanter was born in Chicago in 1949. He later moved into radio and worked for a Southern California radio station during the 1970s. His career with the LA Lakers began in the early 1980s.He became the team’s public address announcer in 1982. Over the next 43 years, his booming voice became part of the Lakers’ identity. He announced games during some of the most memorable periods in franchise history. Tanter’s time behind the microphone, the Lakers won 10 NBA championships. He worked through different generations of players, coaches and fans. He also remained with the franchise through its move from the Staples Center era to the Crypto.com Arena era.The Lakers described Tanter as a cherished part of the organisation. The cause of Tanter’s death has not been publicly disclosed. The Lakers confirmed his passing but did not provide any details about the circumstances surrounding his 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”, the Lakers said in a statement.Tanter’s final season was affected by health issues. According to Khobi Price of the California Post, he suffered a stroke in March. As a result, he missed the Lakers’ final six regular-season games and their playoff games.Lakers governor Jeanie Buss praised Tanter after his retirement.“Lawrence Tanter has been an integral part of the Lakers gameday experience for more than four decades, setting the tone for countless memorable moments with his professionalism, energy and signature booming voice,” team governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement in June. “Since the 1980s, LT has narrated every chapter of Lakers basketball, connecting generations of fans, players, coaches and staff while becoming a trusted and unforgettable part of the Lakers experience. I am incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this franchise.”Tanter leaves behind a unique legacy with the Lakers. His voice was heard during championship celebrations, historic performances and countless regular-season games. For more than four decades, he was one of the constant figures connecting different eras of the franchise.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.