“One of My Joys”: Mychal Thompson Remembers Lakers Voice Lawrence Tanter After His Death

The Los Angeles Lakers organization is going through a tough loss with the passing of legendary arena announcer Lawrence Tanter. Better known as LT, he lent his voice to games for 43 years, witnessing different eras of the Lakers and the legends who created history right in front of his eyes and mic.

On Thursday, NBA legend Mychal Thompson, the father of Klay Thompson and a radio analyst for the Lakers, paid his respects to Tanter on social media with a heartwarming message.

"1 of my joys in working for OUR Lakers was talking with Lawrence Tanter in the Chick Hearn media room before games," Thompson wrote on X. "He LOVED the Lakers and their Fans…Even VISITING players respected and admired him…Maybe God’ll use LT's voice to announce new arrivals to Heaven."

Earlier in March, Tanter suffered a stroke, which forced him to sit out the remainder of the 2025-26 season, including their last six home games and the playoffs. Replacing him was South Bay Lakers announcer Jason Barquero.

While LT wanted to continue his career with the Lakers, the late 76-year-old's health declined after the stroke, which led to his decision to retire in June. In August, he entered hospice care.

Moving forward, Barquero will serve as the Lakers' interim announcer until they can find a permanent replacement.

Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Remembers Lawrence Tanter

Lawrence Tanter had been the arena's voice for the Los Angeles Lakers since 1982. Given his tenure, Tanter also covered the 'Showtime' Lakers era.

One of the most prominent members of that team was none other than Magic Johnson, who recently made a heartfelt social media post as a tribute to the iconic announcer.

"I remember when Dr. Jerry Buss was building the Showtime Lakers and searching for someone who could bring a unique presence to the organization as a PA announcer," Johnson wrote on X. "He wanted a voice that was powerful, memorable, and distinct – that was Lawrence Tanter.

"As someone who was both a fan and a friend of Lawrence when he was a disc jockey on multiple jazz radio stations in Los Angeles, long before he stepped behind the Lakers microphone, I could not have been happier. For more than 40 years, his baritone voice was the sound of the Lakers franchise, and he was an integral part of many Lakers championships, right alongside us players."

Johnson also highlighted how Tanter would be missed by the jazz community who loved his music and "velvet voice."

And it was that baritone voice, in the first game after Kobe Bryant's death, that introduced all Lakers players with the same line: "6-6, 20th year out of Lower Merion High School, Kob-eeee Bryant!"

Without a doubt, Lakers fans will miss the voice of LT. Rest in peace, Lawrence Tanter.