Since 1982, Lawrence Tanter’s voice has been heard on the court at every Los Angeles Lakers home game at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. From player introductions to many of the Lakers’ best memories, Tanter was there for all of it. On Sept. 23, 2026, Lawrence Tanter passed away at age 76.

Tanter was the Lakers’ public address (PA) announcer for 43 years, and many fans know him as the “soundtrack to Lakers games at the arena”. 

Tanter holds the record for the most seasons served as PA announcer for 1 team. He was known as “LT” to Lakers fans and called out lineups, players getting subbed, fouls and scores. With 43 seasons as the PA announcer, Tanter experienced 10 championships with the Lakers and many generations of Laker players, from the Showtime Lakers to the current dynasty that took home the NBA title in 2020. 

For CSUN sophomore Genesis Lemen, Tanter’s voice was part of what made attending a Lakers game different from watching one at home, especially since Lemen had the opportunity to meet Tanter, remembering how his voice filled the arena and drew fans into the action on the court. 

“You feel like you’re brought into the game, because his voice makes you feel like you’re in the game,” Lemen said, “His voice would grab the attention of the people…people recognized him for his voice.” 

After his passing, the Lakers issued a tribute to him, stating that he became a staple with the Lakers franchise and will be remembered as a member of the Lakers family forever.

Although Lemen was able to hear Tanter speak during games, Jivon Galstian, a junior communications major at CSUN, knew of Tanter. Galstian watches the NBA, but didn’t know that Tanter had been with the Lakers for so long. 

“You gotta love what you do,” Galstain said. “Doing it for 4 decades… that is like forty years, so you gotta love what you do if you’re doing it for that long.”

Learning about Tanter’s 43-year career showed the dedication behind his longtime role with the Lakers. Galstain mentioned how a familiar voice can become something fans expect to hear during games. 

“You get used to the same voice, like hearing that same voice,” Galstian said. “Whenever your favorite player hits a shot, like Austin Reaves or Kobe Bryant, you expect to hear that same voice; that same reaction.” 

When Tanter retired in June, Laker Governor Jeanie Buss credited him with connecting generations of Lakers fans, players, coaches and staff through his voice. Buss said Tanter had become an integral part of the Lakers game day experience during his more than 4 decades with the organization.

Tanter was known for many things besides court-side announcements. The Lakers and the experience of their game days became inseparable from him. Tanter took the job and transformed it into something that was iconic, leaving behind a great legacy and more than just his last announcement.