Everyone has debates about who the greatest NBA players of all time are, but if we're talking pure scoring, it's hard to beat Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who leads the NBA with 38,387 points. Throughout his 20-year career from 1969 to 1989, Kareem's skyhook shot became one of the most iconic and unstoppable moves in basketball history. He averaged 24.6 points per game over the span of his career, demonstrating a consistent ability to score and high efficiency. Aside from holding the all-time scoring record, Kareem also won six championships and earned six MVP awards.
Another giant in the scoring world is Karl Malone, with 36,928 points. Known as "The Mailman" because he always delivered, Malone had an incredibly long and productive career, spanning 19 seasons from 1985 to 2004. His partnership with John Stockton in the Utah Jazz's pick-and-roll offense was legendary. Malone averaged 25 points per game and was known for his physical fitness and durability, playing in over 80 games per season for 17 of his 19 seasons. Even though he never won an NBA Championship, he's still a prominent figure in the sports world due to his scoring prowess.
LeBron James is often considered one of the most versatile and dominant players to ever touch a basketball. As of the latest records, he's rapidly closing in on the number one spot with over 35,367 points and counting. LeBron entered the NBA straight out of high school in 2003, and his scoring numbers are just one dimension of his impact. He can play every position on the court and has won multiple MVPs and championships. His career scoring average sits at around 27 points per game, and he's known for his efficient shooting, not to mention his incredible passing ability and defensive skills. Fun fact: LeBron scored his career-high 61 points in a single game against the Charlotte Bobcats in 2014.
Kobe Bryant, often remembered for his Mamba Mentality, is another scoring legend, amassing 33,643 points over his 20-year career—all with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his work ethic, clutch performances, and scoring ability, Kobe scored 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, which is the second-highest single-game point total in NBA history. Kobe's career average of 25 points per game, coupled with five NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVPs, solidified his place as one of the greatest scorers in the game. His fadeaway jump shot and unparalleled footwork made him a tough matchup for any defender.
Michael Jordan, often hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time, scored 32,292 points in his illustrious career, mainly with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan won 10 scoring titles and is best known for his time in the 1990s when he led the Bulls to six NBA championships. His all-time scoring average of 30.1 points per game is the highest in NBA history. Whether it was his slam dunks, mid-range jump shots, or clutch performances, Jordan was a scoring machine. One memorable moment came in the 1998 NBA Finals when Jordan hit the game-winning shot in Game 6 against the Utah Jazz, securing his sixth championship ring.
Rounding out the top five is Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 31,419 points over his career from 1959 to 1973. Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962 against the New York Knicks remains one of the most iconic performances in sports history. Over his career, Wilt averaged 30.1 points per game and was known for his dominance on the court, both in scoring and rebounding. He won two NBA championships and four MVP awards, and his sheer physical presence and athleticism allowed him to dominate his opponents in a way few ever have. Wilt's scoring records and his ability to play almost every minute of every game make him a legendary figure in the NBA.
If you want to see the full list of top NBA scoring leaders, check out nba scoring list. There's no denying the mark these players have left on the game of basketball. Each had their unique style and dominated in their era, leaving a legacy that transformed the sport. With LeBron James still active and producing at a high level, it will be interesting to see how the all-time scoring list evolves in the coming years.