Lakers pay touching tribute to longtime announcer Lawrence Tanter after his death

The Los Angeles Lakers played their first home game on Thursday night, and wasted no time showing love to a late legend within their organization.

Longtime public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter died at the end of September at the age of 76 years old. He started his role with the team in 1982 and his career spanned 43 years before he retired near the end of the 2025-26 season.

Announcer Lawrence Tanter poses for a photo prior to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. NBAE via Getty Images

The Lakers paid tribute to him before their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night.

After a brief highlight reel of Tanter’s iconic moments and player introductions, a new P.A. announcer said, “Lawrence Tanter was more than the voice of your Los Angeles Lakers. His unmistakable voice was the soundtrack to generations of Lakers basketball, and some of the most memorable moments in franchise history.

“Tonight, we remember L.T. as a cherished member of the Lakers’ family, and a voice that will forever echo through this arena. Please join us for a moment of silence in honor of the legendary Lawrence Tanter,” it continued.

Lakers pay tribute to longtime announcer Lawrence Tanter who passed away recently pic.twitter.com/lmBLtOpnuU

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) October 9, 2026

The Lakers’ roster also honored Tanter on the court by producing a 114-110 victory against Sacramento.

Tanter had suffered a stroke near the end of the Lakers’ last season and missed the final six games of their regular season, plus their five postseason home games.

Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter is seen during an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. Tanter, the former public address announcer for the Lakers, passed away at the age of 76. MediaNews Group via Getty ImagesAustin Reaves and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter of a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Oct. 8, 2026. Getty Images