OK, there’s still a lot of basketball left, but don’t think this question isn’t crossing the minds of coaching staffs throughout the Western Conference…

The Lakers are currently tied with New Orleans atop the Western Conference standings. If the playoffs started today, Golden State would be the 8th seed, Dallas would be the 7th seed, the Spurs would be the 6th seed and Denver would be on the outside looking in.

Consider everything — match-ups, injuries, playoff experience — when making your pick: