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. 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 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 Laker Championships, right alongside us players.
He will be missed by more than just Lakers fans, Lawerence will be missed by the entire jazz community who loved his music and velvet voice. Rest in peace my friend!