LeBron James Gives Heartfelt Tribute to Longtime Lakers Announcer: “REST IN PARADISE, Lawrence Tanter!”

Just like countless NBA fans, LeBron James was saddened over the death of Lawrence Tanter.

LeBron James Gives Heartfelt Tribute to Longtime Lakers Announcer: “REST IN PARADISE, Lawrence Tanter!”

Lawrence Tanter and LeBron James (Image credits - MARCA and BBC)

The Los Angeles Lakers lost a legend. The departure of LeBron James after eight years saw a major change to their roster heading into the new season. But the team announced the devastating news of the loss of public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter.

Tanter joined the storied franchise as a PA announcer at the start of the 1982-83 campaign. He became a fixture at Laker home games and served the franchise for 43 years. He was the longest-tenured Lakers PA announcer.

Popularly known to Lakers fans as “LT”, Tanter was a part of various eras in the Lakers. He was able to witness the “Showtime” era as well as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant‘s dominant run in the early 2000s. He was also a part of the James era in LA till this summer.

Following Tanter’s passing, the King posted a heartfelt message about Tanter and sent condolences to his family 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 cause you deserved the while you were living! Your voice command and echoed throughout the entire arena. 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!

LeBron James on X

Tanter had been battling an illness and went into hospice care in August. He retired after the 2025-26 campaign, citing health issues. It was also James’ final season with the Lakers.

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Fans react to LeBron James’ wholesome tribute to Lawrence Tanter

Lawrence Tanter became a huge fan-favorite among Lakers fans. He played an instrumental role in re-creating a home feel for Lakers “home” games in the 2020 NBA bubble. With no fans in the arena, Tanter recorded a series of starting lineup introductions that earned him widespread plaudits.

After James’ tribute to the legendary PA, fans took to social media to react to his message.

Tanter’s voice became closely tied to the team’s identity as he remained behind the microphone through several generations. Lakers fans joined LeBron James in paying tribute to one of their franchise’s legends.

Who will replace Lawrence Tanter as the voice of the Lakers?

It is not easy to replace influential figures who are tied to a team’s history and legacy. While the Lakers have made a number of changes to their roster after James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers, it is not going to be easy for them to replace Lawrence Tanter.

Lawrence Tanter
Lawrence Tanter (Image credits – NBA)

Tanter was loved beyond Lakers Nation and was a beloved figure across the league. He was a part of 10 out of the 17 Lakers’ championships, and 16 Western Conference championship seasons.

Although he retired at the end of last season, he stepped into a special advisory role with the Lakers’ game presentation team. His four-decade-long run made him one of the most recognizable figures in franchise history.

After stepping away from his role as PA announcer last season, Jason Barquero filled in for him at the Crypto.com Arena. However, has not earned the full-time gig yet and is the PA announcer for the Lakers’ G League affiliate.

The Lakers have undergone some big changes both on and off the court this offseason, and it looks like they will have to make a change in their PA announcer as well. They have until October 8 to name a PA announcer for their first preseason game at Crypto.com Arena.

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