Fine $LaPO_4$:Tb phosphor particles with spherical shape were prepared by spray pyrolysis. The influence of the precursor type of phosphorous such as ($NH_4$)$_2$$HPO_4$, $NH_4$$H_2$$PO_4$, ($NH_4$)$_3$$PO_4$ and $H_3$$PO_4$ on the morphology and brightness of particles was investigated. As-prepared particles by spray pyrolysis had spherical shape when ($NH_4$)$_2$ $HPO_4$ and $NH_4$$H_2$$PO_4$ were used as the precursor of phosphorous. The precursor type of phosphorous affected the photoluminescence intensity of $LaPO_4$:Tb phosphor particles, but not significant. With changing the content of activator(Tb) and excess of phosphorous, the optimal composition giving the highest photoluminescence intensity was found. The spherical morphology of prepared $LaPO_4$:Tb particles was completely maintained even after the posttreatment up to $1050^{circ}C$. When the posttreatment temperature was over $1100^{circ}C$, the particles did not have the spherical shape anymore. However, the highest photoluminescence intensity of prepared $LaPO_4$:Tb particles was obtained at $1050^{circ}C$. The photoluminescence characteristics of prepared $_LaPO4$:Tb under the vacuum ultraviolet(VUV) illumination was comparable with that of the commercial $Zn_2$$V_4$:Mn and (La,Ce)PO$_4$:Tb phosphor particles. At the optimal condition, the decay time of prepared spherical $LaPO_4$:Tb phosphor particles was about 6.8ms.