Lakers Announced Death of Lawrence Tanter
The longtime voice of the Los Angeles Lakers has died after 43 seasons with the franchise.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Basketball
The Los Angeles Lakers organization confirmed the death of Lawrence Tanter, who served as the team's public address announcer for over four decades. His tenure established him as a fixture in the arena experience for fans in Los Angeles.
Why it matters
Tanter held one of the most prominent roles in professional sports, serving as the voice that defined the home game experience for the Lakers. His passing marks the end of a historic era for the franchise and its community.
Lawrence Tanter provided the public address commentary for 43 consecutive seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers. This tenure stands as a significant record of service within the franchise.
The players
Lawrence Tanter
He was the longtime public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers who served the franchise for 43 seasons.
Los Angeles Lakers
They are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles that competes in the National Basketball Association.
The details
The Lakers organization released an official statement confirming the passing of the longtime announcer. Tanter served as the voice of the arena for the team, becoming a recognized figure for the organization during his long career.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The Los Angeles Lakers officially announced the death of Lawrence Tanter.
The Big Picture
The passing of an iconic arena announcer mirrors the legacy shift experienced by the Chicago Bulls following the death of Ray Clay. This loss follows the precedent set by other legendary NBA arena announcers whose voices defined the identity of their respective home franchises.
Fans in Los Angeles will hear a new voice in the arena for the first time after 43 seasons of consistency from the public address position. This change marks a transition in the audio presentation and home-game atmosphere for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
Tanter leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and consistency that shaped the experience of multiple generations of NBA fans. His long-standing service highlights the importance of the off-court personnel who contribute to the identity of professional sports teams.
Further reading
For more on the franchise, visit the Basketball section.
