The Lakers lost one of its longest-tenured employees.
Lawrence Tanter died at 76 after spending more than 40 years as the Lakers public announcer. Tanter, known as LT by fans, retired in June after suffering a stroke late in the regular season and missing the team’s final six home games plus the postseason.
Luka Dončić posted the Lakers’ tribute to Tanter on his Instagram story.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter,” the team wrote in a statement. “For 43 years, LT’s voice served as the soundtrack to Lakers games at the arena. He will be remembered as a cherished member of the Lakers family.”
Jeanie Buss also paid respects to the person who had manned the microphone since the Lakers’ “Showtime” era.
“A true original that added his unique style to Showtime. Rest in peace, LT,” Buss wrote in a post on X.
Tanter had several memorable moments from his career, including his signature call of announced “The Laker girrlllssss” after the dance team finished its routine and ran off the court. For many fans, the unforgettable Tanter highlight came during the Lakers’ 2020 championship seaso.
The Lakers played their first game after Kobe Bryant’s death in January 2020, where Tanter introduced all five starters with the same line: “6-6, 20th year out of Lower Merion High School, Kobeeeeee Bryant!”
The Lakers would go on to win the championship in the NBA bubble.
Several notable figures have paid their respects for Tanter, a beloved LA fixture, including former Laker LeBron James.
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