Sportscaster Allen is a well-known figure in the sports world. He is best known for his work as a play-by-play announcer for the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers. His real name is Mel Allen, which is the answer to the crossword puzzle. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1913 and began his career in radio in 1933. He was the first full-time sports announcer on television and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1995.