Luka Dončić has claimed the top spot in the initial Kia MVP Ladder for the 2026/27 season. The rankings, curated by Shaun Powell for NBA.com, position the Los Angeles Lakers star ahead of San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Published on November 6, this first look at the league’s most valuable player race reflects early-season performance rather than a final ballot.
Dončić’s scoring pace and defensive impact
The Lakers guard currently leads the league with 38.5 points per game, complemented by 8.1 rebounds and 8 assists. Beyond his scoring, his candidacy is bolstered by improved defensive effort.
Wembanyama and the chase for the top spot
Victor Wembanyama holds the second position following a standout performance against Dallas, where he recorded 52 points, 24 rebounds, and 8 blocks. Currently averaging 29 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks, the San Antonio center—who is coming off an appearance in the 2026 NBA Finals—is looking to translate his individual dominance into team success to challenge for the top spot.
Gilgeous-Alexander chases third consecutive MVP award
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the rankings at third. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.1 points per game, along with 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds, as he seeks his third consecutive MVP award.
Maxey and Tatum secure top five ranking spots
Tyrese Maxey occupies the fourth spot, emerging as the primary offensive engine for the Philadelphia 76ers. Averaging 28 points and 5.4 assists, Maxey has been noted for his defensive activity alongside his scoring duties. Jayson Tatum follows in fifth place; the Boston Celtics forward has successfully managed his return from an Achilles tendon injury, averaging 27 points and 7.9 assists to maintain Boston's competitiveness.
The MVP race is heating up! 🏆 Luka Doncic leads the first Kia NBA MVP Ladder at No. 1, followed by Victor Wembanyama at No. 2 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 3. The race is just getting started! pic.twitter.com/V0EEsHgdN0
Jokić’s position and the mid-table rankings
Perhaps the most notable placement in the inaugural list is Nikola Jokić at tenth. Despite posting averages of 23.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, the three-time MVP’s ranking is impacted by the Denver Nuggets’ difficult start to the season and uncharacteristic shooting struggles from beyond the arc. Other notable performers include Alperen Sengun (sixth), whose playmaking has driven the Houston Rockets’ early success, and Stephen Curry (seventh), who has spearheaded a six-game winning streak for the Golden State Warriors. Giannis Antetokounmpo (eighth) and Dallas Mavericks standout Cooper Flagg (ninth) round out the top ten.
Rounding out the top fifteen
The list extends beyond the top ten, with Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons securing the thirteenth position. Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks round out the group of the first fifteen candidates.
The Kia MVP Ladder is scheduled for weekly updates throughout the regular season, accounting for individual statistics, team success, and player availability as the standings evolve.
More on Luka Dončić
The NBA’s updated MVP ladder: 1. Luka Doncic 2. Victor Wembanyama 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 4. Tyrese Maxey 5. Jayson Tatum 6. Alperen Sengun 7. Steph Curry 8. Giannis Antetokounmpo 9. Cooper Flagg 10. Nikola Jokic pic.twitter.com/hwTNRTnUba
FIRST KIA NBA MVP LADDER JUST DROPPED! TOP 10 full breakdown (a thread) 🧵 pic.twitter.com/E0maAK2pnX
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