TITLE: Lawrence Tanter Steps Down as Lakers PA Announcer After 43 Seasons
SLUG: lakers-lawrence-tanter-retires-pa-announcer
CONTENT:
Lawrence Tanter, the unmistakable voice of Los Angeles Lakers home games since 1982, has retired as the team’s public address announcer after 43 seasons, the organization announced on Monday.
The 69-year-old broadcaster will remain with the franchise as special advisor for game presentation, a newly created position in which he will consult on in-arena entertainment and production.
Health-related absence preceded decision
Tanter missed the final six home games of the 2025-26 regular season and the entire postseason after suffering a stroke, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. During that stretch, South Bay Lakers PA voice Jason Barquero handled duties at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers did not name a permanent successor, indicating a search is under way for a new announcer.
Four decades of signature calls
Tanter became a fixture at Lakers games beginning in the 1982-83 season, known for his smooth baritone and crowd-rousing catchphrases such as his elongated introduction of “The Laker Girls.” Among his most memorable moments were the tribute introductions honoring Kobe Bryant in the team’s first home game after Bryant’s 2020 passing and the electrifying welcome for LeBron James in 2018.
From 1997 through April 2018, Tanter did not miss a single home contest—a streak spanning more than 200 games. His consistency and style helped define the Lakers’ game-day atmosphere through multiple championship eras.
Organizational praise
“Lawrence Tanter has been an integral part of the Lakers game-day experience for more than four decades, setting the tone for countless memorable moments with his professionalism, energy and signature booming voice,” governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “I am incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this franchise.”
Tanter now transitions to an advisory capacity as the Lakers plan the next chapter of their in-arena presentation.
Source: LakersNation.com
