Five-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder is currently leading the race for the league's 2016-2017 Kia Most Valuable Player edging LeBron James and the Stephen Curry for the award.

After the departure of long-time teammate Kevin Durant from the club to the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook has become the Thunder's one-man wrecking crew.

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According to ESPN, Westbrook is currently averaging 31.1 points, 9.5 assists, and 8.3 rebounds. The 28-year-old point guard has led the Billy Donovan-headed team to six victories in nine games since the new season of the league started last month.

Westbrook is the NBA's second-top leading scorer behind Toronto Raptors' star player DeMar DeRozan, who has an average of 34.1 points per outing. He also made it to the league's top ten players in the assists category, where he is ranked third among the association's best passers.

Here is a list of the top ten players who are currently on a hot toe-to-toe contention for this season's Kia MVP of this week.

1.       Russell Westbrook - Oklahoma City Thunder

2.       James Harden - Houston Rockets

3.       LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers

4.       Blake Griffin - Los Angeles Clippers

5.       Kevin Durant - Golden State Warriors

6.       Kawhi Leonard - San Antonio Spurs

7.       Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors

8.       DeMar DeRozan - Toronto Raptors

9.       Kemba Walker - Charlotte Hornets

10.   Damian Lillard - Portland Trail Blazers

TagsRussell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Lebron James, James Harden