Most MVP awards in NBA history: Where Nikola Jokic’s third win ranks among Michael Jordan, LeBron James

Nikola Jokic has etched his name in history as the 2024 NBA MVP.

Earning his third NBA MVP award in the last four years, Jokic has placed himself in rarefied air as the ninth player to win the award three or more times.

At 29, Jokic is firmly in the prime of his NBA career and will continue to be in MVP conversations in the coming years. He has already cemented himself as the greatest second-round pick of all time and, as he continues to pile up accolades, adds to a resume comparable to the all-time greats.

Here is where Jokic’s MVP awards stack up among some of the greatest to ever play the game.

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Most MVP awards by playerKareem Abdul-Jabbar has been named MVP more than any other NBA player. Abdul-Jabbar, who won the award six times, is one of nine players to be named MVP at least three times.

The NBA MVP award is named in honor of Michael Jordan, who is tied with Bill Russell for second-most MVP awards with five.

Rank Player MVPs Years won 1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 6 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980 2. Michael Jordan  5 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998   Bill Russell 5 1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965 4. LeBron James 4 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013   Wilt Chamberlain 4 1960, 1966, 1967, 1968 6. Nikola Jokic 3 2021, 2022, 2024   Magic Johnson 3 1987, 1989, 1990   Larry Bird 3 1984, 1985, 1986   Moses Malone 3 1979, 1982, 1983MORE: Nuggets have no answers for Timberwolves’ size, defense and Anthony Edwards

NBA MVP award winners by yearJokic is the most recent back-to-back MVP award winner. His quest for a third consecutive MVP award was thwarted by 76ers center Joel Embiid, MVP of the 2022-23 season, but Jokic claimed his third in four years in 2024.

Bill Russell (1961, 1962, 1963), Wilt Chamberlain (1966, 1967, 1968) and Larry Bird (1984, 1985, 1986) are the only players to win the award three consecutive times.

Year Winner 2024 Nikola Jokic 2023 Joel Embiid 2022 Nikola Jokic 2021 Nikola Jokic 2020 Giannis Antetokounmpo 2019 Giannis Antetokounmpo 2018 James Harden 2017 Russell Westbrook 2016 Stephen Curry 2015 Stephen Curry 2014 Kevin Durant 2013 LeBron James 2012 LeBron James 2011 Derrick Rose 2010 LeBron James 2009 LeBron James 2008 Kobe Bryant 2007 Dirk Nowitzki 2006 Steve Nash 2005 Steve Nash 2004 Kevin Garnett 2003 Tim Duncan 2002 Tim Duncan 2001 Allen Iverson 2000 Shaquille O’Neal 1999 Karl Malone 1998 Michael Jordan 1997 Karl Malone 1996 Michael Jordan 1995 David Robinson 1994 Hakeem Olajuwon 1993 Charles Barkley 1992 Michael Jordan 1991 Michael Jordan 1990 Magic Johnson 1989 Magic Johnson 1988 Michael Jordan 1987 Magic Johnson 1986 Larry Bird 1985 Larry Bird 1984 Larry Bird 1983 Moses Malone 1982 Moses Malone 1981 Julius Erving 1980 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1979 Moses Malone 1978 Bill Walton 1977 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1976 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1975 Bob McAdoo 1974 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1973 Dave Cowens 1972 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1971 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1970 Willis Reed 1969 Wes Unseld 1968 Wilt Chamberlain 1967 Wilt Chamberlain 1966 Wilt Chamberlain 1965 Bill Russell 1964 Oscar Robertson 1963 Bill Russell 1962 Bill Russell 1961 Bill Russell 1960 Wilt Chamberlain 1959 Bob Pettit 1958 Bill Russell 1957 Bob Cousy 1956 Bob Pettit