Lakers fans are going to miss Lawrence Tanter

You may not know his name. You may not know his face. 

But you know his voice. 

If you’re a Lakers fan, you’ve likely heard longtime PA announcer Lawrence Tanter, who died at age 76. 

Tanter was a huge part of the in-game experience. 

His smooth, silky baritone voice echoed throughout the arena for 43 years before he suffered a stroke in March and moved into an advisory role in June. 

The way he said each player’s name. The way he said Lakers girls. The way his voice became part of the tapestry of Los Angeles. 

Tanter was behind the scenes but front and center. He was 6-foot-7 but in the shadows. He had been part of the Lakers’ organization since 1982 but was unrecognizable to most. 

But his impact was deeply felt. 

Tanter was a part of 10 Lakers championships. He made calls for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

After his death, current and former Lakers took to X to write tributes. 

Johnson called him “the sound of the Lakers franchise,” adding that he was “an integral part of many Laker championships, right alongside us players.”

James added that he “made home games SPECIAL.”

Former Laker and current radio analyst Mychal Thompson said, “Maybe God’ll use LT’s voice to announce new arrivals to heaven.”

Tanter had a way of not only making games feel special but also making people feel special. 

Behind the scenes in the media room at Crypto.com Arena, he was a friendly face with a warm smile. He greeted reporters, including once telling this writer that he liked the way she carried herself. It meant a lot to her. 

Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and a Lakers super fan, wrote on X that Tanter always talked to him about jazz at games. Flea added that he’s “a great vibe dude” as well as “the best announcer in the NBA.”

He was kind. He cared deeply about his work. And he had the respect of everyone in the arena. 

James, who’s arguably the greatest player of all time, would salute him before every home game because he believed Tanter deserved his flowers. 

One of Tanter’s most memorable moments came after Los Angeles was heartbroken following the death of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash in January 2020. 

When the Lakers played their first game following that tragedy, Tanter paid homage to the five-time champion who spent his entire 20-season career with the Purple-and-Gold. 

He introduced all five starters using the same line. 

“Number 24, 6-6, 20th year out of Lower Merion High School, Kobeeee Bryant.”

It was powerful. It was memorable. It was moving. 

Tanter seamlessly knew when to stand out and when to blend in. Some other public address announcers around the league are bombastic. Tanter was melodic and understated. 

As the Lakers enter their 80th season and try to win their first championship since 2020 behind superstar Doncic, one thing will be sorely missing at home games.

Tanter’s voice. 

In it, so many people found joy. 

So many people found the Lakers.