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Tanter, 76, had officially retired from his courtside duties in June following a health battle. He had suffered a stroke late in the regular season, which forced him to miss the final six home games of the campaign as well as the subsequent playoffs. Shortly before entering hospice care last month, Tanter reflected on his tenure with the club, stating, "It's been a blessing."
A Defining Voice of the Showtime Era and Beyond
Known affectionately by fans and colleagues as "LT," Tanter was the longest-tenured public-address announcer in the history of the Lakers. Standing 6-foot-7 with a commanding baritone voice, he was widely respected for his restrained and professional delivery. Rather than seeking the spotlight, he focused on providing clear, rhythmic updates on lineups, fouls, and scoring, drawing on his background as a jazz radio disc jockey to maintain a smooth, composed presence at the microphone.
His career spanned 10 NBA championships and 16 Western Conference titles. Perhaps his most poignant moment came in January 2020, when he introduced the Lakers' starting lineup following the death of Kobe Bryant. In a gesture that resonated with fans worldwide, he announced each starter with the same line: "6-6, 20th year out of Lower Merion High School, Kob-eeeeee Bryant!" Later that year, when the league resumed play in the Orlando bubble, Tanter recorded player introductions from his home studio in Porter Ranch to ensure his signature sound remained part of the team's championship run.
A Legacy of Professionalism
Lakers acting governor
A Chicago native who played collegiate basketball at the University of Dubuque, Tanter’s influence on the Lakers' culture was profound. Following his absence late last season, Jason Barquero, the announcer for the team's G League affiliate, stepped in to cover his duties. The Lakers have not yet announced a successor for the upcoming 2026-27 season, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill for a fanbase that grew up listening to his voice.
