Which superstar is in the driver's seat for the MVP award? Tim Bontemps breaks down his latest straw poll update, plus major questions surrounding the candidates.

Jayson Tatum is once again considered one of the best players in the league, though he's not at the top of the MVP voting as of now.

The second NBA MVP straw poll of the 2024-25 season conducted by ESPN's Tim Bontemps features the same top four, but the name at the head of the list is different this time. After checking in at second place the first time around,

Alexander, loyalty is law. It's the creed of the Thunder's face of the franchise, a starter in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game by an overwhelming vote.

How does this relate to the MVP conversation? Lost in the Dončić trade is how tremendous James has been before and since. Don’t take what you’re seeing from a 40-year-old for granted. This is not normal.

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexader got a huge vote of confidence in his bid for NBA MVP this season from the Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Edwards and Alexander are facing off in the last national TV game before the All-Star Break but Edwards had nothing but praise for SGA.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clear MVP leader at -600 entering All-Star weekend, with strong stats despite contender Nikola Jokic's impressive performance.