Lakers Public Address Announcer Lawrence Tanter Retires After 43 Seasons Following Stroke

Lawrence Tanter is retiring as the Los Angeles Lakers' public address announcer after 43 seasons, the team announced Tuesday. Tanter, 76, will remain with the organization as an adviser on game presentation. The Lakers did not name a successor in the announcement.

"Lawrence Tanter has been an integral part of the Lakers gameday experience for more than four decades, setting the tone for countless memorable moments with his professionalism, energy and signature booming voice," Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement.

"Since the 1980s, LT has narrated every chapter of Lakers basketball, connecting generations of fans, players, coaches and staff while becoming a trusted and unforgettable part of the Lakers experience. " Tanter suffered a stroke in March and missed the Lakers' final six home games of the 2025-26 regular season and the playoffs.

He continues to rehab from the stroke. An announcer for the Lakers' G League affiliate filled in for the remainder of the season. Tanter's baritone voice became the soundtrack for Lakers home games, delivering starting lineups, substitutions, fouls and score announcements.

His signature call announced "The Laker girlllssss" when the dance team finished a routine. " In the NBA Bubble that season, Tanter recorded player introductions from his home studio in the Porter Ranch area of Los Angeles that were played before Lakers games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, Tanter played forward for his high school basketball team and received a scholarship to the University of Dubuque in Iowa.

ESPN reported the retirement announcement and details of Tanter's health setback.