The Los Angeles Lakers are fighting for dear life in the Western Conference at the moment. As of Wednesday afternoon, LA is 26-28 and is currently one game behind the eighth-seeded Clippers for the final playoff spot. Despite their struggles, though, it sounds like LeBron James and Co. already have a plan in motion.

None other than Hall of Fame big man Shaquille O'Neal provided some intriguing insider info about the position the Lakers are currently in right now. As it turns out, LA is happy to be fighting for the eighth seed in the conference (h/t Clemente Almanza of USA TODAY Sports):

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“I've heard from a powerful source inside the [Lakers] organization,” Shaq said, via Talkin' NBA' on Twitter) ” … They're right where they want to be. They'd rather play Phoenix in the first round than Golden State.”

To put things into perspective, it's the Phoenix Suns who currently own the top spot in the West. Sitting behind them at second are Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Based on Shaq's source, the Lakers would much rather finish eighth so that they get to face the Suns in the first round of the playoffs. Finishing seventh would entail them to battle the Dubs in the opening round, and it sounds like the Lakers are not at all interested in that matchup.

If this is true then the Lakers are playing a very dangerous game here. Clinching the eighth seed in the West is not going to be a cakewalk for LeBron and his crew, with teams like the Clippers, the Timberwolves, and the Pelicans, to name a few, all contending for a postseason berth.