Longtime Lakers announcer Lawrence Tanter dies at 76: ‘Forever in our hearts’

Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter has died at age 76, the team announced on September 24, 2026. Tanter served as the franchise's public address announcer for 43 years, starting during the 1982-83 season. The team released a statement mourning him as a cherished member of the Lakers family whose voice provided the soundtrack to games.

During Tanter's 43-year tenure behind the microphone, the Lakers reached 15 NBA Finals and won 11 championships. He called games at both the Great Western Forum and Staples Center, now known as Crypto.com Arena, before retiring after the 2025-26 season due to health concerns.