Lakers Nation is mourning tonight after the team announced the passing of Lawrence Tanter, their longtime PA announcer and the iconic voice of the Staples Center and Crypto.com Arena. This is heartbreaking news. For 43 incredible years, LT’s glorious baritone was the absolute soundtrack to Lakers games, making him a true legend behind the mic who left an unforgettable mark on multiple generations of fans.
A Legacy Spanning Decades of Greatness
Tanter started his career way back in 1982, meaning he witnessed countless players, teams, dynasties, and Hall of Fame careers come and go through those arena doors. Think about that: 43 years! That’s a lifetime of basketball history he narrated. He wasn’t just an announcer, he was part of the fabric of Lakers basketball, described as a cherished member of the Lakers family. We heard in June that he resigned from his role after suffering a stroke earlier in the year, and then he entered hospice care in August. Dave McMenamin of ESPN shared a powerful text from LT from that time, where he simply said, “Quote me, ‘It’s been a blessing.’” Man, that hits hard, but it shows the kind of character he had. What a legend, truly a “true original” who added his unique style to Showtime.
The Man Behind the Mic, A True Vibe Dude
Everyone seems to have a positive story about LT, and you can totally see why. Flea, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, tweeted that Tanter was a “great vibe dude” who always talked jazz with him, calling him a “music lover and the best announcer in the NBA.” He went on to say that after attending other NBA arenas, “noone else came close.” That’s high praise. Mike Trudell, a Lakers Reporter, confirmed LT took his job super seriously, understanding his critical role for fans. Trudell mentioned Tanter would inquire about starting lineups and team changes before every game, always with that amazing baritone. Even opposing coaches recognized his impact, with JJ Redick saying back in March, “He’s an iconic voice. Playing against the Lakers for 15 years… just playing against them in the Finals, it’s almost a comfort with him being in this arena.” And who could forget that truly emotional moment in 2020, after Kobe Bryant’s passing, when Lawrence Tanter announced every Laker starter as Kobe Bryant? That was just pure class, an iconic moment from an iconic voice.
Lakers games are definitely going to feel different without LT’s glorious baritone kicking off every matchup. He left an incredible mark over 43 years, and his presence, his style, and that iconic voice will be remembered for generations. It really was a blessing, and we are going to miss him.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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