Low-energy ion scattering has been used to study the surface of lanthanum thermostabilized gamma-Al2O3 during several stages of the sintering process. Deposition of lanthanum onto the support by specific adsorption of a [La(EDTA)]- complex turns out to be homogeneous. After calcination at 550-degrees-C La2O3 particles have been formed on the surface, while LEIS results after sintering at 1050-degrees-C indicate the formation of a lanthanum-aluminate surface layer. The presence of lanthanum prevents transformation of gamma-Al2O3 to alpha Al2O3 at 1050-degrees-C.