The NBA MVP race for the 2025-2026 season is gaining momentum as the final games approach.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) are all having standout seasons. However, Luka Doncic has been a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, who hold the third seed in the West with a record of 46-26.
This puts him in a strong position for the MVP award.
Reasons Luka Doncic is a Top MVP Contender
Doncic, aged 27, has made five first-team All-NBA selections and led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024. He was traded to the Lakers in February 2025, a move that many consider highly controversial. While the Mavericks (23-49 this season) have struggled, the Lakers have thrived with Doncic on the team.
He is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, averaging a league-high 33.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, while shooting 47.4% from the field.
Known for his pick-and-roll play and exceptional passing skills, Doncic led the Lakers to a nine-game winning streak, which ended recently. Over the last ten games, he averaged 39.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.6 steals.
Doncic’s contributions extend to defense as well, an area where he previously faced challenges. Lakers coach JJ Redick noted his improved defensive performance, stating, “He’s been more active with rotations and being physical. When he’s fully on defensively, he can guard the basketball.”
A Competitive MVP Field
Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic also have strong arguments for MVP.
Wembanyama, 22, is quickly becoming one of the league’s stars. His performance is a significant factor in the Spurs (54-18) being second in the Western Conference.
The first overall pick of the 2023 draft is averaging 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing his defensive skills. If the Spurs secure the No. 1 seed, Wembanyama’s MVP chances will increase.
“There is a debate,” he remarked recently regarding the MVP discussion, adding, “My goal is to eliminate that debate by season’s end.”
Gilgeous-Alexander is vying for his second MVP award, averaging 31.6 points with an efficient shooting percentage of 55.3%. Having led the Thunder to 12 consecutive wins, he has consistently delivered important performances. If the Thunder (57-15) claim the top seed, he could become the first player in Thunder history to earn multiple MVP awards.
Jokic missed 16 games due to injury for Denver (44-28), but he has resumed playing at an elite level. In his last 11 games, he has averaged 24.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 11 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
If Jokic, a three-time MVP, wins again, he will join an exclusive group of players who have won four or more MVPs.
However, other contenders like Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic have stronger supporting teams compared to Doncic. Currently, the MVP award seems to favor Doncic.