NBA MVP ladder: Where OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks

With just over two weeks left in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, the MVP race is heating up.OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the pack in NBA.com's latest MVP ladder, which released Friday.

But the top spot is far from secured with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic still in the mix.Here's a complete look at the MVP ladder.More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander channels Michael Jordan Bulls after setting OKC Thunder win record1.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC ThunderLast week's ranking: No.

1Season stats: 32.9 points, 5 rebounds and 6.3 assistsGilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in three games this week, and OKC went 3-0.The Thunder (61-12) has set a franchise record for the most wins in a regular season thanks in large part to Gilgeous-Alexander.

He leads the NBA in points per game and is looking to become the first OKC player to win MVP since Russell Westbrook in 2017.More: OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads NBA in autograph signing as well as scoring2.

Nikola Jokic, Denver NuggetsLast week's ranking: No.

2 Season stats: 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.3 assistsAfter missing five straight games due to left ankle impingement, Jokic returned during Denver's 127-117 home win over Milwaukee on Wednesday.

He recorded his 30th triple-double of the season with a stat line of 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.Jokic has won MVP in three of the last four seasons.

The last player to win four MVPs in a five-year span was LeBron James (2009-13).More: Why OKC Thunder guard Adam Flagler isn't afraid to shoot his shot: 'Just a silent killer'3.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee BucksLast week's ranking: No.

3Season stats: 30.2 points, 12 rebounds and 5.9 assistsAntetokounmpo's lone appearance this week came in Milwaukee's 108-106 road loss to Phoenix on Monday.

He finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists but has since missed time due to a sprained left foot.Antetokounmpo is averaging over 30 points for the third straight season.

It has been another dominant campaign by the 30-year-old forward, who has two MVP trophies in 2019 and 2020 under his belt.More: NBA's 70-win club, SGA's MVP chase and 10 things to watch in OKC Thunder's final 10 games4.

Jayson Tatum, Boston CelticsLast week's ranking: No.

4Season stats: 27.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6 assistsTatum averaged 27.5 points, eight rebounds and 8.5 assists in two games this week, and Boston went 2-0.

He has since missed time due to a sprained left ankle.Tatum continues to be the best player on the reigning champion Celtics.

And even though his shooting efficiency has dipped slightly, he's averaging a career-high six assists.More: Thunder roars past Grizzlies for OKC-record 61st win as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 375.

LeBron James, Los Angeles LakersLast week's ranking: No.

8Season stats: 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.5 assistsJames averaged 18 points, eight rebounds and 8.7 assists in three games this week, and Los Angeles went 1-2.

He sank a game-winning tip-in against Indiana on Wednesday.The Lakers have climbed to fourth in the Western Conference standings thanks in part to James, who's still playing great basketball at age 40.

The oldest player to ever win MVP was 35-year-old Karl Malone in 1999.More: Why OKC Thunder assistant Mike Wilks is 'a better coach' thanks to son Isaiah | MussattoThe next five6.

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers (No.

5 last week)7.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (No.

6 last week)8.

Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (No.

7 last week)9.

Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (No.

9 last week)10.

Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets (Not ranked last week)And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA MVP ladder: Where OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks.

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