The essentials
Lakers legendary PA announcer Lawrence Tanter, 76, shaped franchise identity across ten championship runs.
Lawrence Tanter, the iconic voice of the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away at age 76. His distinctive announcements shaped the team's identity across decades of success.
Tanter narrated 10 NBA championships and 16 Western Conference titles during his tenure, becoming inseparable from Lakers basketball. His signature calls—particularly 'Laker Girlsss' and dramatic player introductions—became synonymous with the franchise's grand tradition.
His career extended through evolving eras of the game. During the 2020 NBA bubble, he recorded game announcements from home, adapting to unprecedented circumstances. After suffering a stroke in March, Tanter retired from his PA role.
His contributions were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a cultural ambassador for professional basketball in Los Angeles.
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Voice that defined Lakers basketball across three decades
Tanter's announcements accompanied 10 championship victories and 16 conference titles, embedding his voice into Lakers history. His signature calls became cultural touchstones for generations of fans. Recognition through his Hall of Fame induction acknowledged his role as essential to the franchise's identity and fan experience.
From playing fields to broadcast booth to home studio
Tanter's career demonstrated adaptability across different eras. He recorded from home during the 2020 NBA bubble, showing flexibility in unprecedented conditions. His March stroke prompted retirement, marking the end of a tenure that seamlessly transitioned through technological and operational changes in professional basketball.