2025-26 NBA MVP Race

6 Articles
May 24, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots while defended by San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first quarter during game four of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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Six Superstars Deserved to Win the 2026 NBA MVP Award

On May 17, Shams Charania broke the news that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had been voted as the 2025-2026 NBA MVP. While a majority of...

Mar 9, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures and walks around the court after sinking a game winner 3 pointer basket against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Ascended the 2026 NBA MVP Ladder

It’s over. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wrapped up the MVP conversation. The Lead has been publishing a 2025-26 MVP ladder every two weeks. The first...

Feb 9, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and center Jarrett Allen (31) defend the final shot by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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2025-26 NBA MVP Ladder Week 17: Jokic is Back, Brown Jumps Doncic

Nikola Jokic is back. With his return, every player not named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been pushed down the list. As Jokic got healthy,...

Nov 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and center Nikola Jokic (15) against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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2025-26 NBA MVP Ladder Week 11: Injuries Ruining Historic Race

Victor Wembanyama looked like a true MVP candidate for the first month of the season before suffering a calf strain. Giannis Antetokounmpo was...

Apr 6, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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2025-26 NBA MVP Ladder Week 7: Can Luka Doncic Crack Top 2?

The MVP race is looking like a replay of last year: a two-man battle between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. There have been...

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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How Long Until Luka Dončić Wins His First MVP?

Luka Dončić has committed himself to the city of Los Angeles for the foreseeable future after signing a three-year, $165 million extension, and...