Anthony Davis (left) and Jayson Tatum are already jockeying for position in the Kia MVP chase.

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Set the stage this week: At first it comes in a trickle. Then it will build steam, gather evidence, gain traction. In another few months, the picture will begin to crystallize and become legitimate.

But right now? The race for the top spot in the Race to the MVP Ladder is just beginning.

And with all beginnings, it all has to be seen through a lens of novelty and recognized as a small sample size. However, the group of players listed below who are sharpening their elbows to pit and grab a precious pole position to climb the ladder are all deserving, all accomplished, all…expected to be here.

Like Anthony Davis, the first out of the gate in 2024-25.

The impact on both ends so far is undeniable, the value to the Lakers indisputable. Davis plays at an elite level most nights on offense and defense, and there aren’t many players built like him in that regard.

A statistic to know: Defending MVP Nikola Jokić won’t give up without a fight. He leads the Denver Nuggets in points, rebounds, assists and blocks this season. He led or tied for the Nuggets lead in four categories in all but one season since 2017-18, which is the true measure of someone’s importance to the team.

What they say: “It’s our job to power him on both sides of the basketball to have a monster year. And I thought he had a monster last year. But I think the way we want to play, he’s going to be featured as he always is, but hopefully he’s going to be perpetually involved as well.” – Lakers coach JJ Redick on Davis.

1. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Season Stats: 32.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg

His case: No one has had a better start to 2024-25 than Davis, who has gobbled up big numbers and devoured opposing centers in the first few weeks. He looks hungry, like he’s never won MVP before? This opening round ranks with the best stretches we’ve ever seen from Davis. He is leading the league in scoring and doing it at both ends.

Of course, the disclaimer when it comes to Davis: Can he stay healthy? Now dealing with a recurring foot injury that has caused him to miss a game, it could throw him off speed and a subsequent drop in the rankings. Can he shoot the ball with his fingers crossed? We will see.

2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Season Stats: 30.2 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.8 apg

His case: Gives off vibes of a player in a redemption tournament. It’s strange for someone who won an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in three summer months. But, he he was not awarded Finals MVP and he was beaten twice at the Paris Games, so maybe Tatum is burning a little inside.

This much we know: Tatum is shooting the 3-ball at a personal best rate (4.2 attempts per 11.4 attempts per game). He is spearheading the shot-happy Celtics as his game looks good and so does his team.

3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Season Stats: 28.8 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 11 apg

His case: He was the league’s most impactful player last season and thus won the MVP for the third time, and nothing has changed so far. Joker is averaging a triple-double. He’s in the top five in scoring, rebounding and assists — and he’s coming from a massive demolition 26-20-16 to hand OKC their first loss. He’s a handful, basically, once again.

The difference is the Nuggets are struggling (or were initially). That’s not all for Jokić, though, and it’s early days. The difference between his place no. 3 and number 1 – a place where it is familiar – can quickly reduce.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Season Stats: 26 ppg, 6 rpg, 6.8 apg

His case: His team wins and he produces. That’s usually the recipe for MVP success, and of all the players in this top five, Gilgeous-Alexander brings the best of those credentials.

Both need to hold up over the next few months to give him an edge, and all signs are positive so far. He dropped 28 points with eight assists and seven rebounds in the opener against Jokić, which was a telling start.

5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Season Stats: 23.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.1 apg

His case: Like Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell is off to a solid individual start with the bonus of being on a conference lead. 30.2 mpg is his career low and yet his per minute production is stellar. Mitchell’s game-winner against the Bucks ranks among his best shots so far this season.

Mitchell bears watching if the Cavaliers stay afloat in the East bridge. With the Sixers and Bucks stumbling and needing a few weeks to catch up, the Cavs could be Boston’s biggest threat between now and Christmas. If Mitchell continues to deliver as a playmaker, it’s very possible.

The following five:

6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
8. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
10. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can email him here, find his archive here and follow X.

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