LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Lawrence Tanter, whose courtside voice accompanied 43 seasons of Los Angeles Lakers basketball, has died at 76.
Tanter began as the Lakers’ public-address announcer during the “Showtime” era and worked through ten championships and 16 Western Conference titles. A stroke caused him to miss the final six home games and the playoffs last season, and he retired in June before moving into an advisory role.
Tanter was known for a restrained presentation that informed the audience without competing with the game. Following Kobe Bryant’s death, he memorably introduced all five Lakers starters using Bryant’s name.
The Lakers have not announced a permanent successor for the 2026–27 season. Jason Barquero, public-address announcer for the organization’s G League affiliate, completed last season in Tanter’s absence.
Source: Barrett Media, September 24, 2026.