Just like countless NBA fans, LeBron James is saddened over the death of Lawrence Tanter.
Tanter, who became the public-address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, was able to witness the “Showtime” era as well as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s dominant run in the early 2000s. Lakers fans enjoyed hearing his voice at every home game.
The Lakers announced Wednesday night that Tanter passed away at the age of 76. According to ESPN, he entered hospice care in August.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter,” the team said 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.”
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Shortly after the Lakers confirmed this heartbreaking news, James posted a heartfelt message about Tanter on social media.
“REST IN PARADISE Lawrence Tanter! Loved seeing you pretty much every single home game for the past 8 years at the scores table and always acknowledging you with a salute cause you deserved the flowers while you were living! Your voice command and echoed throughout the entire arena,” James wrote on X. “You made home games SPECIAL! You will be truly missed! Glad we got to share some time together my man! My heart and prayers goes to your family and loved ones! Love you LT!”
Who’ll replace Lawrence Tanter as the voice of the Lakers?
When Tanter had to step away from his role last season, Jason Barquero filled in as the public-address announcer for the Lakers.
Barquero, the public-address announcer for the Lakers’ G League affiliate, has not earned the full-time gig as of this September.
The Lakers have until Oct. 8 to name a public-address announcer for their first preseason game at Crypto.com Arena.
