Longtime Los Angeles Lakers public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter has died at age 76, the team announced Wednesday. Known to fans simply as "LT," Tanter served as the soundtrack to Lakers games for 43 years, retiring in June after suffering a stroke late in the regular season. He missed the team's final six home games and the playoffs before entering hospice care.

Tanter's silky-smooth baritone and imposing 6-foot-7 frame made him a fixture since the "Showtime" era of the 1980s. A former jazz radio disc jockey, he was known for his restrained, informative delivery and signature call announcing "The Laker girlllssss" after dance team routines. His most poignant moment came in January 2020, when he introduced all five starters as Kobe Bryant in the first game after Bryant's death.

The Chicago native played forward in high school and attended the University of Dubuque in Iowa. He was part of 10 Lakers championships and 16 Western Conference titles. Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss praised his professionalism and energy, calling him a "trusted and unforgettable part of the Lakers experience." Jason Barquero, PA announcer for the Lakers' G League affiliate, finished last season in Tanter's absence. The team has not yet named a successor for the 2026-27 season.