As we creep closer to the 2021-22 regular season and Los Angeles Lakers training camp fast approaches (and the team convenes in Las Vegas), it's time to consider a few Lakers-centric wagers.

Here are three futures bets that I find somewhat enticing, about one month before this highly-anticipated Lakers season tips off vs. the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on Oct. 19.

Notably, the Lakers over/under win total is currently set at 52.5. Their odds to win the 2021 NBA championship sit at +325, second to the Brooklyn Nets (+260). The odds of Los Angeles winning the Western Conference are +190, and they're +100 favorites to win the Pacific Division, ahead of the Phoenix Suns at +190 (forgot about divisions!).

None of those, frankly, seem particularly attractive. 53-29 and a division title is certainly attainable, but I'd lean towards the under considering the expected ups and downs that come with an utterly reshaped roster. The conference and title odds are simply not favorable enough, considering the possibility of injury.

Generally speaking, Lakers' lines — as with other high-profile franchises like the New York Yankees or New England Patriots — are typically skewed in the house's direction thanks to square bettors placing action based on name recognition and organizational respect. (Mark Cuban voice) For those reasons … I'm looking at the following props.

All lines are courtesy of BetOnline.ag, as of Sept. 24.

Anthony Davis: Defensive Player of the Year (+800)

All signs are pointing to a massive bounce-back year from AD.

The four-time All-Defensive team selection suffered from the short offseason last year and never found his physical or basketball groove before suffering an Achilles injury. He dealt with multiple leg ailments down the stretch, all of which were interconnected.

By all accounts — including Frank Vogel, Rob Pelinka, and the art of photography — Davis has worked himself into tip-top shape this summer. He's newly married, deeply motivated, and evidently swole-r than ever.

Davis is expected to play more center this season — where he typically excels — and may be asked to carry an even larger defensive load than usual, as the Lakers sacrificed perimeter defense for offensive spacing and playmaking with their offseason moves.

Rudy Gobert (+300) has won DPOY three of the past four seasons, so I expect voter fatigue to rear its head in his case. Giannis Antetokounmpo (+750) has earned all the hardware over the last few years. Kawhi Leonard has a torn ACL. Ben Simmons (+400) is…well.

AD has previously stated his desire to win this award. This season, I believe he gets it. Joel Embiid (+900) and Draymond Green (+1200) may be his stiffest competition.

I also like Davis at +2800 for MVP as I think he'll lead Los Angeles in scoring — though less so following the acquisition of Russell Westbrook.

Talen Horton-Tucker: Most Improved Player of the Year (+6600)

I referenced this line when I made the case for THT as the Lakers' X-factor. Horton-Tucker is suddenly the Lakers' fourth-highest paid player, and I expect an uptick in minutes and production on par with that raise.

THT can be a bit over-hyped because he plays for the Lakers. But, his learning curve since being drafted in the second round in 2019 has been profoundly impressive — from two-way player to earning real playoff minutes in the bubble to preseason sensation to key rotation piece, all before the age of 20 — and he showed great strides within the course of last season as a play-maker.

Here's what Vogel said about him on Spectrum's LakeShow podcast earlier this week.

And here's what Pelinka said about him on Thursday:

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Should THT dramatically improve his D (his leaner physique is encouraging) and his three-point shooting, he could feasibly approach 30 minutes and 14-16 points per game. He averaged just 9.0 PPG in 2020-21, so that jump may be enough to at least enter the MIP discussion. Remember: playing for the Lakers means added visibility. (Also: 66/1!)

Frank Vogel: Coach of the Year (+1200)

Historically, across sports, coaches don't win this award for overseeing star-laden groups that are projected to be amongst the best teams in the league. Phil Jackson has just one(!) Coach of the Year award.

However, the narrative could be different with Vogel, based on the team's complete summer renovation, and the questionable fit of Westbrook. The fact that so many folks in NBA circles — many of whom vote on awards — are publicly skeptical of the Lakers roster and age bodes well for Vogel's CoY chances.

“The good news is we have seen this ‘Coach Vogel Effect’ defensively, with last year’s group, with the group before,” Pelinka said on Thursday.” Where, his system, his discipline, his teaching, his focus on that side of the ball translated into success. Part of that was personnel. Part of that is also system and teaching and accountability. … I don’t have any concerns about us being a very, very strong team defensively. I believe in the group’s commitment and the effort and coach’s teaching at that end, that I think we’ll be successful as a defensive ballclub.”

Should all the parts mesh, Vogel could receive plenty of love. I still wouldn't predict him to win the award, because LeBron James, Westbrook, and Davis will likely earn the brunt of the credit. But I like the number, especially if he builds another top defense.