Lakers potentially have Austin Reaves conundrum simplified amid NBA playoffs turmoil

The LA Lakers suffered a Game 4 loss versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. With the loss, LA falls to 3-1 in a first-round series many expected them to win.

With their backs against the wall, things can get tougher for the Lakers as they could potentially enter the offseason earlier than anticipated. As they gear up for Game 5 on Tuesday night, the front office will look ahead to the offseason, where they will have questions to answer across the roster, starting with Austin Reaves.

Coming off a breakout campaign that saw him average over 20 points per game for the first time in his career, Reaves is expected to ink a massive deal, a price tag LA could struggle to meet. The fourth-year guard is in the second year of a four-year, $54 million deal, but is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, with a projected price tag of roughly $89 million over four years.

He could also wait until next offseason, when his eligible deal could increase to a ballpark of $98 million over four years. Thankfully for LA's front office, this question could have several answers, including hometown discounts and trade packages among other resolutions.

Lakers could move on from Reaves if no deal is reached

Gauging LA's cap situation, the Lakers' front office could find it hard reaching a deal with Austin Reaves following a deal with superstar guard Luka Doncic. LA traded for Doncic ahead of this season's trade deadline and will look to extend the five-time All-NBA first-teamer sooner rather than later.

Reaves has been involved in trade rumors during his time in LA, a hypothetical that could be realized if the front office can't reach a deal with the rising star. Coming off his best season, it's within reason for Reaves to look to maximize his value rather than offering the Lakers a discount.

LA is also expected to be in the running for several free agents to help push the team over the top with their core of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James intact.

If LA could land him on a smaller deal, that would allow the Lakers to retain both Reaves and Doncic, with time running out on a 40-year-old LeBron James now in his 22nd season.

LA will have to work through a gauntlet of numbers as they navigate their future with Doncic and Reaves leading the way, entering the offseason with the fifth-worst cap situation in the NBA.