High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 1988 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association`s 1987-1988 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons four games to three in the Finals. The Lakers became the first team since the Boston Celtics in 1969 to repeat as champions, a feat that Lakers coach Pat Riley had guaranteed through the previous offseason. James Worthy of the Lakers was named NBA Finals MVP.