LeBron James used to salute Lakers public address announce Lawrence Tanter at every home game.
Tanter died at 76 years old, the Lakers announced Wednesday. James shared a heartfelt tribute for Tanter on social media the following day.
“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,” James wrote in a post 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! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
While James is no longer with the Lakers, it’s evident Tanter’s influence even reached the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Tanter became a fixture for the Lakers, when he began working as the P.A. announcer during the 1982-83 season. His smooth delivery and baritone voice became signature for Lakers home games spanning more than 40 years.
Tanter was apart of 10 NBA championships throughout his storied Lakers tenure. He retired in June after a 43-year long run as the team’s P.A. announcer.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter,” the Lakers said in a statement Wednesday. “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.”