What happened: Lawrence Tanter, the public address announcer who served as the voice of the Los Angeles Lakers for more than four decades, has died at the age of 76. The franchise announced his passing on Wednesday.

Why it matters: Tanter was a fixture at home games from 1982 until his retirement in June 2026, delivering his signature calls through nine NBA championships. He remained involved with the organization as a special advisor for game presentation after stepping away from the microphone.

What to watch: The Lakers are expected to honor his legacy during the upcoming 2026-27 season.