The sport of basketball is replete with extraordinary talent and unparalleled skill. However, the most revered of basketball players are often those who have shown an uncanny ability to consistently put the ball through the hoop. In the pantheon of NBA greats, a select few have amassed point totals that may never be eclipsed. As of the end of the 2023 season, this illustrious group comprises LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, Carmelo Anthony, and Moses Malone. These men have not only defined their respective eras, but they have also set the scoring standard for future generations of NBA players.
LeBron James (38,652 points): LeBron James, frequently compared to the greats, has truly earned his place among them. His career, marked by versatility and durability, has seen him transcend the roles of a conventional basketball player. With his unrivaled combination of power and finesse, he achieved the astonishing feat of becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer by the end of the 2023 season with 38,652 points.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points): Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, renowned for his skyhook shot, is a towering figure in NBA history. His career from 1969 to 1989 with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers saw him accumulate a staggering 38,387 points, a record at the time of his retirement. His influence on the game extends beyond his scoring, cementing his status as one of the greats.
Karl Malone (36,928 points): Karl Malone, nicknamed “The Mailman” for his consistency in delivering points, was a scoring juggernaut during his time in the NBA from 1985 to 2004. Primarily associated with the Utah Jazz, Malone’s career scoring total of 36,928 points places him among the NBA’s most productive offensive players.
Kobe Bryant (33,643 points): Kobe Bryant, whose career was a testament to his intense competitiveness and work ethic, scored 33,643 points as a career-long Laker from 1996 to 2016. His scoring exploits, including an 81-point game, are etched into the annals of NBA history, a fitting legacy for the ‘Black Mamba.’
Michael Jordan (32,292 points): Often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. Jordan’s scoring prowess, seen in his 32,292 career points with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, was matched by his ability to perform under pressure, making him the benchmark for basketball excellence.
Dirk Nowitzki (31,560 points): Dirk Nowitzki, the German power forward, left an indelible mark on the NBA. Spending his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks from 1998 to 2019, Nowitzki utilized his unique combination of height and shooting touch to accumulate 31,560 points, altering the perception of the power forward position.
Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points): Wilt Chamberlain, remembered for his record-breaking 100-point game, was a dominating force in the NBA from 1959 to 1973. Known for his scoring prowess and rebounding mastery, Chamberlain tallied a remarkable 31,419 points in his career, embodying the dominance of the center position in his era.
Shaquille O’Neal (28,596 points): Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, used his unrivaled strength and agility to score 28,596 points. From 1992 to 2011, Shaq’s impactful presence in the paint for multiple teams, including the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, earned him recognition as one of the sport’s most formidable figures.
Carmelo Anthony (28,289 points): Carmelo Anthony, known for his scoring ability and clutch performances, netted 28,289 points before his retirement in 2023. Throughout his career, Anthony’s offensive skills made him one of the NBA’s most reliable scorers, solidifying his legacy in the league.
Moses Malone (27,409 points): Moses Malone, an exceptional center and tenacious rebounder, was a scoring machine throughout his NBA career from 1976 to 1995. Notching 27,409 points in his career, Malone’s relentless scoring and rebounding efforts have left an enduring mark on the game.
