Lawrence Tanter, Legendary Lakers PA Announcer, Dies at Age 76

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Thursday that longtime public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter died at the age of 76.

Tanter had spent 43 years as the Lakers' PA announcer, dating back to the 1980s, which was a decade that saw L.A. win five championships.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Tanter retired in June after suffering a stroke and missing the Lakers' final six regular-season home games and the playoffs late in the 2025-26 campaign.

Just before he entered hospice care last month, Tanter texted McMenamin, "Quote me. It's been a blessing."

Originally from Chicago, Tanter spent many years as a DJ on jazz radio stations in addition to his role with the Lakers, per McMenamin.

Over the course of his long and successful career, Tanter was with the Lakers organization for 10 of their 18 championships, including the most recent one in 2020.