Lakers announce passing of longtime PA announcer Lawrence Tanter

Los Angeles Laker announcer Lawrence Tanter before the start of the Lakers–Timberwolves game at Staples Center on March 18, 2011. (Photo by Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Late Wednesday night, the Lakers announced that longtime PA announcer and voice of the Lakers and Staples Center and Crypto.com Arena, Lawrence Tanter, had passed away.

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

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

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.

In June, Tanter resigned from his role following a stroke suffered earlier in the year. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Tanter entered hospice care in August with a strong message via text.

“Quote me,” he wrote, “‘It’s been a blessing.'”

With a career that began in 1982, Tanter saw countless players, teams, dynasties and Hall of Fame careers come and go through multiple arenas. As a result, Tanter is one of those people who everyone has a positive story about.

A true original that added his unique style to Showtime. Rest in peace, LT. https://t.co/GTDopukHGs

— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) September 24, 2026

I am so sad to hear. He was a great vibe dude, always engaged me in conversation about jazz, he was a music lover and the best announcer in the nba. I realized when attending many other nba arenas that noone else came close. Bless his beautiful heart. https://t.co/8gVC9YmFPL

— Flea (@flea333) September 24, 2026

On top of being a great person, LT took his job very seriously, truly understanding his critical role for fans.

He’d come up to me before every game and inquire – with that glorious baritone – about the starting lineup and any changes for either team.

True legend. 💛💜 https://t.co/I8vLeYjZqi

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 24, 2026

For me, the moment I associate with and remember the most from Tanter was when he announced every Laker as Kobe Bryant in the first game after his passing.

From 2020…

Lawrence Tanter announcing every Laker starter as Kobe 😢pic.twitter.com/ZwqdsxPZ4ehttps://t.co/wOwYrYMqQK

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 24, 2026

“He’s an iconic voice,” head coach JJ Redick said back in March when Tanter initially stepped away from the team. “Playing against the Lakers for 15 years…just playing against them in the Finals, it’s almost a comfort with him being in this arena.”

I think I speak for all Lakers fans when I say that Lakers games are never goign to be the same without him.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.