Who Has Won the Most NBA MVPs? A Complete History and List

As I was scrolling through basketball forums last night, that familiar debate popped up again: who has won the most NBA MVPs? It’s one of those questions that seems simple until you dive into the history and realize just how much legacy is packed into that trophy. Having followed the NBA for over two decades, I’ve always been fascinated by how this award not only recognizes individual brilliance but often defines eras. The answer, of course, starts with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—his six MVP honors stand as a towering achievement, one that feels almost untouchable in today’s game. But behind that number lies a richer story, one about consistency, dominance, and sometimes, controversy.

Let’s rewind a bit. The NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award has been handed out since the 1955-56 season, and over the years, it’s become the ultimate symbol of regular-season excellence. I remember watching old clips of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain going head-to-head; their rivalry wasn’t just about rings but also about claiming that MVP mantle. Russell snagged five, Chamberlain four, and for a long time, that felt like the peak. Then along came Kareem, whose graceful yet unstoppable skyhook helped him secure those six awards between 1971 and 1980. What’s crazy to me is how he did it across two franchises—the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers—proving his impact was universal. Following him, Michael Jordan and LeBron James each collected five, though honestly, LeBron could easily have had seven or eight if voter fatigue weren’t a thing. I’ve always felt he was robbed a couple of times, like in 2011 when Derrick Rose took it home. No disrespect to Rose, but LeBron’s all-around game that year was just otherworldly.

Now, you might wonder why this matters so much. In my view, the MVP race isn’t just about stats; it’s a narrative. It’s about which player captures the imagination of fans and media alike. Think of Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP in 2016—that wasn’t just about his 30.1 points per game or 402 threes. It was about revolutionizing how basketball is played. I recall arguing with friends that season, insisting that Curry’s influence went beyond numbers. He changed the game, much like Jordan did in the ’90s. And that’s what makes the history of who has won the most NBA MVPs so compelling: it’s a timeline of evolution, from big men dominating the paint to guards shooting from the logo.

But here’s where things get interesting. While we celebrate these individual legends, team dynamics often play a huge role. I’m reminded of a quote I came across recently from a coach in the UST community: "I think hindi naman din ganun kaganda kung ipapaalam pa sa lahat, ‘di ba? As a UST community, alam ko na susuportahan at susuportahan niyo yung UST and yung sistema ni coach Kungfu." Roughly translated, it emphasizes how sometimes, behind-the-scenes support systems—like a tight-knit community or a coach’s system—don’t need public fanfare to be effective. In the NBA context, that resonates. Look at Tim Duncan’s two MVP awards; they were built on the Spurs’ culture, a system that prioritized collective success over individual glory. Duncan never sought the spotlight, yet his fundamentals made him unstoppable. Similarly, Steve Nash’s back-to-back MVPs in 2005 and 2006 were as much about Mike D’Antoni’s offensive scheme as they were about Nash’s brilliance. It’s a reminder that while we obsess over who has won the most NBA MVPs, the award often reflects a broader ecosystem.

Of course, no discussion is complete without touching on the modern era. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s two MVPs, Nikola Jokic’s recent back-to-back, and Joel Embiid’s emotional win last season show how the criteria keep shifting. Jokic, for instance, averaged a near-triple-double with 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists in 2022, yet what stood out to me was his efficiency—he made the impossible look routine. Personally, I think Jokic is the most skilled big man I’ve ever seen, and his humility makes him even more likable. But it’s not just about numbers; voter priorities change. In the ’80s, it was about dominance in the paint. Today, it’s about versatility and impact on winning. That’s why LeBron, even at 38, remains in the conversation—his basketball IQ is just off the charts.

Wrapping this up, the question of who has won the most NBA MVPs is more than a trivia answer. It’s a window into the soul of basketball. Kareem’s six awards set a benchmark that may never be broken, but the stories behind each winner—the systems, the eras, the controversies—are what make it timeless. As a fan, I love debating this stuff, and I’ll always lean toward players who blend individual greatness with team success. Because at the end of the day, that’s what the MVP should represent: not just the best player, but the one who lifts everyone around them. And if you ask me, that’s why this award will always spark passionate conversations, whether on forums or at the bar with friends.