The competition for the 2025-26 NBA Most Valuable Player award has dramatically escalated, transforming from a leisurely contest into a fiercely contested sprint. As mid-January unfolds, the Kia MVP Ladder is currently commanded by a formidable trio: the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Denver Nuggets' phenomenal center Nikola Jokic, and this season's top scorer Luka Doncic.
Top Five Contenders Redefine the MVP Landscape
While French prodigy Victor Wembanyama maintains his position at number four, a significant shift occurs at the fifth spot with Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey making his debut. Maxey stands as the only representative from the Eastern Conference to crack the elite top five. This week's rankings illustrate how emerging talents have disrupted the hierarchy, expanding what was once a three-player contest into a wide-open battle for the prestigious Michael Jordan Trophy.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Consistent Leader
Statistics: 32.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, 55.7% FG
Once again leading the MVP rankings, SGA solidifies his status as the NBA's second-highest scorer this season. His spectacular 47-point performance against the Indiana Pacers, where he shot 17-28 from the field and 1-4 from beyond the arc, demonstrated his exceptional skill and efficiency. Although the Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a narrow 114-117 defeat, ending their aspiration to surpass the Golden State Warriors' historic 73-9 record, Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber display offers continued optimism for the franchise. The Thunder currently dominate the Western Conference with an impressive 37-9 record and an .804 winning percentage.
2. Nikola Jokić: The Statistical Powerhouse
Statistics: 29.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 11.0 APG, 60.5% FG
The Joker retains his second-place standing in the MVP race. The three-time MVP is merely one triple-double away from securing second position on the NBA's All-Time triple-doubles list, needing just one more to eclipse Oscar Robertson's 181. Jokic continues to be a dominant two-way player, posting some of the most impressive statistical figures this season. However, his campaign faces temporary uncertainty due to a hyperextended knee, with anticipated return by late January or early February. The Denver Nuggets, holding a 31-15 record, rank third in the Western Conference and are gradually closing in on overtaking the San Antonio Spurs for second place. Riding a two-game winning streak, they prepare for their upcoming match in Memphis.
3. Luka Dončić: The Scoring Maestro
Statistics: 33.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.7 APG, 45.5% FG
Doncic remains the season's leading scorer with 1,170 total points this week. Beyond his scoring prowess, he consistently poses a nightly triple-double threat. While the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled with inconsistency, Luka's capacity to single-handedly propel the offense ensures his firm placement among the top three MVP candidates. Despite a star-studded lineup, the Lakers have underperformed expectations, currently occupying fifth place in the West with a 26-17 record.
4. Victor Wembanyama: The Defensive Phenomenon
Statistics: 24.5 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.9 APG, 2.6 BPG, 51.0% FG
The San Antonio Spurs' French sensation has firmly entered the MVP discussion, holding steady at number four. Despite earlier restrictions from minor leg injuries, Wembanyama has been an unstoppable force on both ends of the court. He currently ranks second in total blocks and has improved his three-point shooting, showcasing that his influence extends beyond conventional stats. His inclusion in the top five at just 22 years old heralds a new era for the league. Supported by this 2.24-meter defensive anchor, the Spurs sit second in the West with a 31-15 record and a .674 winning percentage.
5. Tyrese Maxey: The Eastern Conference Standout
Statistics: 30.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 47.1% FG
The newest addition to the top five MVP rankings is 25-year-old Tyrese Maxey, the sole Eastern Conference player in this elite group. He surged three positions to break into the top five. Maxey has developed into arguably the league's most formidable two-way guard. While his 30-point average attracts attention, his defensive contributions have been the hidden catalyst, exemplified by his eight steals against the Pacers. In the absence of a fully fit Joel Embiid, Maxey has demonstrated his ability to guide the team to contender status. The 76ers currently hold sixth place in the East with a 24-19 record. Following consecutive losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia's 128-122 victory over the Houston Rockets fuels hopes for sustained winning momentum.
