LOS ANGELES — Luka Dončić has moved to the top of the NBA MVP odds after a dominant opening stretch pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to a 6-2 record.
Dončić is now the favorite at +200 at DraftKings Sportsbook, according to odds published Tuesday by Sports Illustrated. San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is next at +220, followed by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at +400.
Latest 2026-27 NBA MVP odds
- Luka Dončić, Lakers: +200
- Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: +220
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: +400
- Nikola Jokić, Nuggets: +900
- Jayson Tatum, Celtics: +1000
The move is a sharp jump for Dončić, who was listed around +500 at FanDuel before the season. His case has changed quickly because the Lakers are winning while he is producing at a historic pace.
Through seven appearances, Dončić is averaging 38.3 points, 8.1 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals while shooting 49.7 percent from the field. He strengthened that early case Sunday night with 42 points and 13 assists in the Lakers’ 138-117 win over the Miami Heat.
Dončić has never won the award. His best finish was third in MVP voting, but the combination of his individual numbers and the Lakers’ early record has already changed the market.
The odds will move throughout the season, and the NBA’s 65-game eligibility requirement will remain part of the equation. For now, Dončić has gone from one of several preseason contenders to the player sitting at the top of the board.