(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill,File)
An era has come to an end for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The organization announced Tuesday that longtime public address announcer Lawrence Tanter is retiring after spending more than four decades serving as the voice of Lakers home games. Tanter, 76, will remain involved with the franchise as a special adviser for game presentation.
“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,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “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.”
A Familiar Voice Across Generations
Known simply as “LT” among Lakers fans, Tanter first took over public address duties during the 1982-83 season and became the longest-tenured PA announcer in franchise history.
His distinctive baritone voice accompanied virtually every major moment in modern Lakers history, from the Showtime era featuring Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to championship runs led by Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Unlike many arena announcers, Tanter became known for his smooth and measured delivery, a style influenced by his parallel career as a jazz radio disc jockey in Los Angeles. One of his signature calls came after performances by the Laker Girls, when he would enthusiastically introduce “The Laker Girlllsss.”
Memorable Moments Defined His Legacy
Tanter’s voice became intertwined with some of the franchise’s most emotional occasions.
Following Kobe Bryant’s death in January 2020, Tanter delivered a touching tribute before the Lakers’ first game after the tragedy. Instead of introducing the starting lineup normally, he announced each player as “Kob-eeee Bryant,” drawing tears and applause from the crowd.
Later that year, when the Lakers captured the NBA championship inside the Orlando bubble, Tanter recorded player introductions from a home studio in Southern California, ensuring his voice remained part of the team’s title run despite the unusual circumstances.
More recently, he commemorated another historic milestone when LeBron James surpassed 50,000 combined regular-season and playoff points.
Health Setback Ended Final Season
Sources told ESPN that Tanter suffered a stroke in March, causing him to miss the final six home games of the regular season as well as the playoffs. He continues to recover and undergo rehabilitation.
Jason Barquero, the public address announcer for the Lakers’ G League affiliate, handled duties in Tanter’s absence.
The Lakers have not yet announced who will succeed Tanter behind the microphone.
More Than Just an Announcer
Standing 6-foot-7, Tanter once played college basketball at the University of Dubuque after earning a scholarship out of high school.
Over 43 seasons, however, his greatest impact came through a microphone, providing the soundtrack for 10 Lakers championships and countless unforgettable memories.
His voice became as recognizable to fans as the stars who wore the purple and gold, making him one of the most enduring figures in franchise history.
