The last time an American-born player walked away with the top honor was James Harden in 2018. The run of international players winning MVP -- Gilgeous-Alexander is from Canada -- speaks to the expanding global reach of the NBA and the increased talent outside of the United States.

Los Angeles Lakers star player LeBron James turned 40 in December 2024. However, his age did not impact his performance on the court. He continued to show stellar efforts for the Lakers during the 2024-25 NBA season.

LeBron James, in his 22nd season at age 40, has surpassed Michael Jordan to become the oldest player ever to receive NBA MVP votes, finishing sixth in

Gilgeous-Alexander was announced Wednesday as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, the Canadian’s first time winning the award. It’s now seven straight years that a player born outside the U.S. won MVP, extending the longest such streak in league history.

The MVP case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simple. He’s the best player on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that set an NBA record for average margin of victory.