Stu Lantz is on the mend after undergoing a recent procedure.
The longtime Los Angeles Lakers commentator Lantz is set to miss the team’s opening preseason broadcasts against the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported Friday. Lantz is recovering from a recent medical procedure and is said to be week-to-week as he prepares himself for Opening Night of the 2025-26 NBA season.
A former NBA guard who played from 1968-77, Lantz, who is now 79 years old, is one of the most beloved figures in Lakers franchise history. He became the television color commentator for the team in 1987 and has been a staple of their game broadcasts ever since.
Lantz succeeded Keith Erickson alongside the late great Lakers play-by-play man Chick Hearn (working with Hearn from 1987-2002). He also later worked with both Paul Sunderland (from 2002-05) and Joel Meyers (from 2005-11) on Lakers TV broadcasts. Lantz has been teamed up with current Lakers play-by-play announcer Bill MacDonald ever since 2011.
The 2025-26 season is set to be Lantz’s 39th with the Lakers. McMenamin also notes that Mychal Thompson (who is normally the Lakers’ radio color commentator) will be stepping in for Lantz on TV to begin the preseason.
Lantz has become known for his witty, unfiltered style of commentary, and he is never afraid to dish out criticisms, even to Lakers players. A few years ago, Lantz went viral over some ruthless comments that he made on a hot mic about the Lakers.
