Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter passed away on Wednesday, the team announced. He was 76 years old.
In a statement, the Lakers expressed their sorrow, saying, “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 was the soundtrack to Lakers games at the arena. He will always be remembered as a beloved member of the Lakers family.”
Tanter, a radio DJ, was the voice behind many iconic moments in Lakers history, including the team’s first game following Kobe Bryant’s death in January 2020. That night, he honored the Lakers legend by introducing the starting lineup in a special way.
During the NBA’s 2020 bubble season amid the pandemic, Tanter recorded game introductions to help recreate the atmosphere of home games.
He began his journey with the Lakers in 1982 and witnessed the team secure 10 NBA championships over his 43 seasons. After suffering a stroke last spring, he missed the final six home games and playoffs and announced his retirement in June. He was expected to continue contributing to the organization as a special adviser for game presentation.
Fan Take: Lawrence Tanter’s distinctive voice became synonymous with Lakers basketball, creating unforgettable memories for fans over four decades. His passing marks the end of an era, reminding us how iconic voices shape the spirit of the sport and its community.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
