Lakers vs Celtics and the NBA Playoffs is a basketball simulation developed by Electronic Arts, and one of the earliest officially licensed NBA video games. The game features real NBA teams from the 1988–89 season, including superstars such as Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan.
Players can choose from all 16 teams that qualified for the playoffs, with authentic rosters and player likenesses (for its time). The game introduced signature moves for star players—like Magic’s no-look passes and Jordan’s slam dunks—and included realistic elements such as fouls, free throws, and a broadcast-style presentation.
As the first title in EA’s long-running NBA series, Lakers vs Celtics set the foundation for future basketball video games, combining arcade-style action with strategic, team-based gameplay.
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