Los Angeles Lakers announcer Stu Lantz visited the Beach Auditorium yesterday, offering students both insight and knowledge that he’s gained from an extensive career in broadcasting.
“It was awesome to get to see the guy I’ve been watching on Lakers games ever since I can remember,” senior journalism major Evan Cornutt said.
Cal State Long Beach journalism professor John Shrader moderated as students waited eagerly to hear what Lantz had to say.
“What I do is what you do,” Lantz said. “You sit in front of the TV and make comments. The only difference is that I get paid.”
Lantz has been in the field for more than a decade and is the owner of six championship rings, which he said he wears all the time.
“We don’t hang up division banners,” Lantz said about the Lakers franchise. “The only thing that matters is winning the ultimate championship.”
Lantz has been broadcasting Lakers games since 1987, when he made his first appearance on TV and radio broadcasts with the late, great, Francis Dayle “Chick” Hearn.
Lantz, who earned a degree in elementary education, said he credits the success of his career to working with Hearn.
“Without Chick in my life, it would be tough teaching those third graders,” Lantz said.
While many questions were aimed at Lantz’s ability to perfect the broadcasting craft, a number of attendees were also focused on the fate of the Lakers franchise looking towards the upcoming season.
He sarcastically responded with, “well, when you consider that our top three players are dinosaurs…”
Lantz was quick to point out the Lakers struggles, including whether or not Kobe Bryant will return to full-strength after enduring a near career-ending injury. His synopsis, nonetheless, was an encouraging one.
“If anybody can do it, he can,” Lantz said of Kobe’s ability to return.
The Q-and-A forum saw humorous stories shared, insights into the current state of sports journalism, and advice for students to take with them into the professional world.
“You’re never going to stop learning… ever,” Lantz said. “If you stop learning, then something’s wrong.”
As Lantz’s time on stage came to an end, he thanked students for their questions and wished them luck with future endeavors.