Lakers PA legend Tanter leaves indelible mark on basketball history
Lakers legendary PA announcer Lawrence Tanter, 76, shaped franchise identity across ten championship runs.
Event / Entertainment
Lawrence Tanter Death
Lawrence Tanter, the Los Angeles Lakers' legendary public address announcer for 43 years, died on September 24, 2026, at age 76, following a stroke in March that led to his retirement in June.
1 reported locations
Daily activity
1 articles0 articles
2026-09-25 to 2026-11-02 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 25 Sept, 01:05 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Tanter retires from Lakers PA role after suffering stroke in March
Lawrence Tanter suffered a stroke in March 2026 that forced him to miss the final six regular-season home games and the playoffs. The Lakers announced his retirement from the PA announcer position in June 2026, after 43 seasons. He transitioned to a special adviser role for game presentation. Just before entering hospice care in August 2026, Tanter texted ESPN, 'Quote me. It's been a blessing.'
Tanter recorded game announcements from home during 2020 NBA bubble
During the COVID-19 pandemic when the NBA resumed play in a bubble in Orlando, Lawrence Tanter was unable to travel but continued serving the Lakers from his home studio in Los Angeles. He recorded game introductions and announcements that were incorporated into the artificial arena environment for Lakers home games.
Lawrence Tanter, legendary Lakers PA announcer, dies at age 76
Lawrence Tanter, the longest-tenured public address announcer in Los Angeles Lakers history, died at age 76. Tanter had served as the Lakers' PA announcer for 43 years, beginning in 1982 during the Showtime era. He was known for his smooth baritone voice and understated delivery style. The Lakers announced his passing on Wednesday, September 24, 2026.
Tanter narrated 10 NBA championships and 16 Western Conference titles for Lakers
During his 43-year tenure with the Lakers, Lawrence Tanter's voice served as the announcer for 10 of the franchise's 18 NBA championships, including titles during the Showtime era, the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal years, the LeBron James era, and championships won in 2020 during the pandemic bubble. He also announced 16 Western Conference titles for the franchise.
Tanter's signature calls included 'Laker Girlsss' and player introductions
Lawrence Tanter was known for his distinctive signature calls including 'Llllaker Girlsss' to announce the Lakers' dance team and player introductions such as 'Kobeeee Bryant' for Kobe Bryant. His announcing style was characterized by restraint and smooth delivery, focusing on informing fans rather than hyping up the crowd. His calls became iconic parts of the Lakers' game presentation and franchise identity.
Tanter inducted into Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Lawrence Tanter was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame in recognition of his long career and contributions to Lakers broadcasting. He was also a disc jockey for Los Angeles-area jazz radio stations KJLH, KTWV, and KKJZ, which influenced his distinctive announcing style.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives