Lakers pay touching tribute to longtime announcer Lawrence Tanter after his death

On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers paid a touching tribute to Lawrence Tanter, their longtime public-address announcer who died at age 76 in late September. The tribute occurred during the team's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at home. A highlight reel showcasing Tanter’s iconic moments and player introductions preceded his memorial, where a new P.A. announcer honored him as "more than the voice of your Los Angeles Lakers," emphasizing his 43-year career with the franchise that began in 1982.

Tanter's impact was highlighted by noting how his unique voice had become synonymous with generations of Lakers basketball and some of the most memorable moments in the team’s history. The announcer concluded the tribute by asking for a moment of silence in honor of Tanter, whom he described as "a cherished member of the Lakers’ family."

The players on the court also honored Tanter that night, contributing to a 114-110 victory against Sacramento in his memory. Prior to his death, Tanter had suffered a stroke near the end of the previous season.