Originally published by LakersNation.com
It isn’t often that a PA announcer is such a vital and beloved member of any organization, but that was undoubtedly the case with the legendary Lawrence Tanter, who served in that role with the Los Angeles Lakers for more than 40 years.
The announcement of Tanter’s passing sent a shockwave throughout the Lakers organization and family and numerous legends and former players such as Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher, as well as current superstar Luka Doncic amongst many others, paid their respects on social media:
I remember when Dr. Jerry Buss was building the Showtime Lakers and searching for someone who could bring a unique presence to the organization as a PA announcer. He wanted a voice that was powerful, memorable, and distinct – that was Lawrence Tanter.
As someone who was both a… pic.twitter.com/Ap8pgy4Qhu
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 25, 2026
Every time I walked into Staples Center, it felt like a special moment, thanks in part to LT. For so many years, his voice was a constant for Lakers fans, part of so many memories and moments we’ll never forget. Rest in peace, Lawrence. https://t.co/5mfwmCJikY
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 24, 2026
A true original that added his unique style to Showtime. Rest in peace, LT. https://t.co/GTDopukHGs
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) September 24, 2026
1 of my joys in working for OUR Lakers was talking with Lawrence Tanter in the Chick Hearn media room befor games…He LOVED the Lakers and their Fans…Even VISITING players respected and admired him…Maybe God’ll use LTs voice to announce new arrivals to Heaven…
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) September 24, 2026
Luka IG story: pic.twitter.com/vog3SJ21bM
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) September 24, 2026
LA lost a legend last night, longtime Lakers public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter
@derekfisher reflects on LT’s greatness with @Decker6 & @BenScottStevenshttps://t.co/aA0zn8yuhg pic.twitter.com/56h6vae3ce — 97.1 The Fan (@TheFanLA) September 24, 2026
Legend. One of the few people who’s been there each step of the way for over 40 years. Your
came through every game. Thank you for your class and professionalism. RIP LT. https://t.co/8wgtgDNnhf — Judy Seto (@judyseto) September 25, 2026
Rob Pelinka with a nod to Lawrence Tanter and a moment of silence after his passing pic.twitter.com/3ZCTQUvzHA
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) September 24, 2026
Rob Pelinka requesting a moment of silence for Tanter at the start of he and JJ Redick’s press conference was a beautiful tribute as well, and it all shows just how important Tanter was to this organization. A lot of franchises say they are like a family, but times like this show just how much the Lakers truly are just that.
LeBron James pays tribute to Lawrence Tanter
Even though he is no longer with the Lakers, LeBron James made sure to take to social media and pay his respects to Tanter as well.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
It isn’t often that a PA announcer is such a vital and beloved member of any organization, but that was undoubtedly the case with the legendary Lawrence Tanter, who served in that role with the Los Angeles Lakers for more than 40 years.
The announcement of Tanter’s passing sent a shockwave throughout the Lakers organization and family and numerous legends and former players such as Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher, as well as current superstar Luka Doncic amongst many others, paid their respects on social media:
I remember when Dr. Jerry Buss was building the Showtime Lakers and searching for someone who could bring a unique presence to the organization as a PA announcer. He wanted a voice that was powerful, memorable, and distinct – that was Lawrence Tanter.
As someone who was both a… pic.twitter.com/Ap8pgy4Qhu
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 25, 2026
Every time I walked into Staples Center, it felt like a special moment, thanks in part to LT. For so many years, his voice was a constant for Lakers fans, part of so many memories and moments we’ll never forget. Rest in peace, Lawrence. https://t.co/5mfwmCJikY
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 24, 2026
A true original that added his unique style to Showtime. Rest in peace, LT. https://t.co/GTDopukHGs
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) September 24, 2026
1 of my joys in working for OUR Lakers was talking with Lawrence Tanter in the Chick Hearn media room befor games…He LOVED the Lakers and their Fans…Even VISITING players respected and admired him…Maybe God’ll use LTs voice to announce new arrivals to Heaven…
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) September 24, 2026
Luka IG story: pic.twitter.com/vog3SJ21bM
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) September 24, 2026
LA lost a legend last night, longtime Lakers public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter
@derekfisher reflects on LT’s greatness with @Decker6 & @BenScottStevenshttps://t.co/aA0zn8yuhg pic.twitter.com/56h6vae3ce — 97.1 The Fan (@TheFanLA) September 24, 2026
Legend. One of the few people who’s been there each step of the way for over 40 years. Your
came through every game. Thank you for your class and professionalism. RIP LT. https://t.co/8wgtgDNnhf — Judy Seto (@judyseto) September 25, 2026
Rob Pelinka with a nod to Lawrence Tanter and a moment of silence after his passing pic.twitter.com/3ZCTQUvzHA
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) September 24, 2026
Rob Pelinka requesting a moment of silence for Tanter at the start of he and JJ Redick’s press conference was a beautiful tribute as well, and it all shows just how important Tanter was to this organization. A lot of franchises say they are like a family, but times like this show just how much the Lakers truly are just that.
LeBron James pays tribute to Lawrence Tanter
Even though he is no longer with the Lakers, LeBron James made sure to take to social media and pay his respects to Tanter as well.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.