Lakers announce passing of longtime PA announcer Lawrence Tanter

The Los Angeles Lakers are mourning the loss of Lawrence Tanter, the longtime public address announcer whose voice became a defining part of the franchise for more than four decades.

Tanter, known to Lakers fans as “LT,” served as the team’s PA announcer for 43 seasons. The Lakers announced his death Wednesday night.

The team announced his passing in an official statement: “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.

Tanter began announcing Lakers games at The Great Western Forum during the 1982-83 season. His calm, smooth delivery became closely tied to the team’s identity as he remained behind the microphone through several generations of Lakers superstar players.

Over 43 seasons as an announcer, Tanter was part of 10 NBA championship runs and 16 Western Conference championship seasons. His tenure covered the Showtime era with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant era, Bryant’s final game in 2016, and LeBron James’ time in Los Angeles.

Away from the Lakers, Tanter also built a long career in Southern California radio. He spent more than three decades working as an on-air personality and program director at jazz stations, including KKJZ and KTWV 94.7 The Wave.

Tanter stepped away from his regular game-day role after the 2025-26 season and moved into a special advisory position with the Lakers’ game presentation team.

For generations of Lakers fans, Tanter’s voice was part of the experience as much as the players on the court. His four-decade-long run made him one of the longest-serving and most recognizable figures in franchise history.