The NBA's all-time scoring leaders represent the pinnacle of offensive consistency and longevity in professional basketball. Total points accumulated over careers highlight players who combined scoring ability with durability across thousands of games. Vote for your favorite scorer below.
Fact-ranked — the numbers decide the order, not votes
What counts: Ranked strictly by career total regular-season points; figures are approximate historical totals.
LeBron James climbed to first all-time by combining elite scoring with 20-plus seasons of iron-man durability, passing Kareem in 2023. His signature moment came with the record-breaking jumper in Los Angeles. He earns the top spot through unmatched longevity at a high usage rate.
Total Points: 40,474 ptsPPG: 27.1Games: 1,492Rings: 4Span: 2003-present
added by IJRin 14 rankingsLeBron James
Kareem held the record for nearly four decades thanks to his unstoppable skyhook and remarkable 20-year prime. He reached the mark while winning six titles with the Lakers and Bucks. The spot reflects unmatched consistency across two eras.
Total Points: 38,387 ptsPPG: 24.6Games: 1,560Rings: 6Span: 1969-1989
added by IJRin 9 rankingsKareem Abdul-Jabbar
The Mailman delivered 36,928 points through two decades of power-forward dominance and pick-and-roll mastery with Stockton. His 1990s peak featured multiple MVP nods and Finals appearances. The total underscores reliability over flash.
Total Points: 36,928 ptsPPG: 25Games: 1,476Rings: 0Span: 1985-2004
added by IJRin 6 rankingsKarl Malone
Kobe's 33,643 points came via relentless work ethic and a mid-range game that defined a generation. He passed Jordan on a 61-point night in 2016 before retiring. The ranking rewards his two-decade scoring assault despite injuries.
Total Points: 33,643 ptsPPG: 25Games: 1,346Rings: 5Span: 1996-2016
added by IJRin 12 rankingsKobe Bryant
Jordan's 32,292 points came in just 15 seasons at an unmatched 30.1 PPG clip, interrupted only by baseball. His 1990s Finals heroics cemented the legacy. The total reflects peak dominance over raw accumulation.
Total Points: 32,292 ptsPPG: 30.1Games: 1,072Rings: 6Span: 1984-2003
added by IJRin 17 rankingsMichael Jordan
Dirk posted 31,560 points with a one-legged fadeaway that stretched defenses for 21 seasons. His 2011 title run featured multiple 30-point playoff games. The ranking highlights international pioneer longevity.
Total Points: 31,560 ptsPPG: 20.7Games: 1,522Rings: 1Span: 1998-2019
added by IJRin 7 rankingsDirk Nowitzki
Wilt exploded for 31,419 points in just 14 seasons, including the unbreakable 100-point game. His 50.4 PPG season remains the benchmark. The total shows raw scoring volume in fewer games.
Total Points: 31,419 ptsPPG: 30.1Games: 1,045Rings: 2Span: 1959-1973
added by IJRin 9 rankingsWilt Chamberlain
Dr. J tallied 30,026 points blending ABA and NBA dominance with his signature baseline dunk. He led the 76ers to the 1983 title. The spot rewards crossover-era scoring flair.
Total Points: 30,026 ptsPPG: 24.2Games: 1,243Rings: 1Span: 1971-1987
added by IJRin 2 rankingsJulius Erving
Moses grabbed 29,580 points and three MVPs through relentless offensive rebounding and putbacks. His 1983 title featured Finals MVP honors. The total reflects blue-collar accumulation.
Total Points: 29,580 ptsPPG: 20.6Games: 1,455Rings: 1Span: 1974-1995
added by IJRin 3 rankingsMoses Malone
Tim Duncan scored 26,496 points with bank shots and defensive anchors that powered five Spurs titles. His quiet efficiency defined the 2000s. The ranking shows winning over volume scoring.
Total Points: 26,496 ptsPPG: 19Games: 1,392Rings: 5Span: 1997-2016
added by IJRin 11 rankingsTim Duncan
Shaq powered 28,596 points through sheer size and dunks, winning three straight titles with the Lakers. His 2000 Finals dominance stands out. The total rewards interior force over perimeter volume.
Total Points: 28,596 ptsPPG: 23.7Games: 1,207Rings: 4Span: 1992-2011
added by IJRin 8 rankingsShaquille O'Neal
Hakeem posted 26,071 points with the dream shake and blocked shots that defined Rockets defenses. His 1994-95 back-to-back titles featured MVP Finals performances. The spot reflects two-way impact.
Total Points: 26,071 ptsPPG: 21.8Games: 1,238Rings: 2Span: 1984-2002
added by IJRin 8 rankingsHakeem Olajuwon
KD reached 27,000-plus points with his 7-foot scoring touch and multiple scoring titles before Achilles injury. His 2017-18 Warriors titles added hardware. The ranking shows efficiency and range.
Total Points: 27,500 ptsPPG: 27Games: 1,020Rings: 2Span: 2007-present
added by IJRin 9 rankingsKevin Durant
The Big O tallied 26,710 points while averaging a triple-double season in an era of fewer possessions. His 1960s Royals dominance mixed playmaking with scoring. The total highlights pioneering versatility.
Total Points: 26,710 ptsPPG: 25.7Games: 1,040Rings: 1Span: 1960-1974
added by IJRin 6 rankingsOscar Robertson
Sir Charles scored 23,757 points with rebounding fury and outspoken leadership that carried the Suns to the 1993 Finals. His 1993 MVP season stands out. The spot rewards power-forward scoring peak.
Total Points: 23,757 ptsPPG: 22.1Games: 1,073Rings: 0Span: 1984-2000
added by IJRin 6 rankingsCharles Barkley
Larry Bird reached 21,791 points with sharpshooting and passing that powered three Celtics titles. His 1984 Finals duel with Magic defined an era. The ranking reflects winning efficiency.
Total Points: 21,791 ptsPPG: 24.3Games: 897Rings: 3Span: 1979-1992
added by IJRin 12 rankingsLarry Bird
Magic's 17,707 points came with flashy assists that made Showtime Lakers titles possible. His 1980 Finals MVP as rookie remains legendary. The spot shows playmaking elevating scoring.
Total Points: 17,707 ptsPPG: 19.5Games: 906Rings: 5Span: 1979-1996
added by IJRin 12 rankingsMagic Johnson
The Admiral scored 20,790 points while anchoring Spurs defenses en route to two titles. His 1995 MVP season featured 29 PPG. The ranking highlights two-way center production.
Total Points: 20,790 ptsPPG: 21.1Games: 987Rings: 2Span: 1989-2003
added by IJRin 2 rankingsDavid Robinson
Ewing posted 24,815 points with Knicks grit and rim protection across 15 seasons. His 1994 Finals run stands as signature. The total rewards franchise loyalty.
Total Points: 24,815 ptsPPG: 21Games: 1,183Rings: 0Span: 1985-2002
added by IJRin 6 rankingsPatrick Ewing
KAT has piled up over 13,000 points with stretch-big shooting for the Wolves. His 2024 playoff surge added momentum. The ranking reflects modern big-man scoring trajectory.
Total Points: 13,000 ptsPPG: 24Games: 550Rings: 0Span: 2015-present
added by IJRin 2 rankingsKarl-Anthony Towns
Dame tallied 18,000-plus points with logo-range threes and clutch heroics for Portland. His 2023 playoff buzzer-beaters defined his arc. The spot shows perimeter volume.
Total Points: 18,000 ptsPPG: 24.5Games: 750Rings: 0Span: 2012-present
added by IJRin 4 rankingsDamian Lillard
Russ accumulated 23,000 points via explosive athleticism and triple-double seasons with OKC. His 2017 MVP run featured historic usage. The ranking rewards triple-double volume.
Total Points: 23,000 ptsPPG: 22.8Games: 1,050Rings: 0Span: 2008-present
added by IJRin 3 rankingsRussell Westbrook
Curry's 20,000-plus points revolutionized the game with three-point volume that powered four Warriors titles. His 2016 unanimous MVP season changed spacing forever. The total reflects gravity and efficiency.
Total Points: 20,000 ptsPPG: 24.8Games: 850Rings: 4Span: 2009-present
added by IJRin 13 rankingsStephen Curry
Giannis has scored 15,000-plus points while adding MVP and title hardware with the Bucks. His 2021 Finals performance sealed his rise. The ranking shows two-way growth trajectory.
Total Points: 15,000 ptsPPG: 23.5Games: 650Rings: 1Span: 2013-present
added by IJRin 8 rankingsGiannis Antetokounmpo
Embiid has reached 10,000-plus points with dominant post play and MVP honors for the 76ers. His 2023 scoring title marked peak form. The spot reflects center scoring in modern era.
Total Points: 10,000 ptsPPG: 27.5Games: 450Rings: 0Span: 2016-present
added by IJRin 2 rankingsJoel Embiid
Nikola Jokic
Jokic has posted 10,000-plus points with passing wizardry that delivered a 2023 title for Denver. His MVP seasons blended scoring and vision. The ranking shows big-man orchestration.
Total Points: 10,000 ptsPPG: 20.5Games: 550Rings: 1Span: 2015-present
added by IJRin 3 rankings
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Somebody explain the LeBron James votes to me. Genuinely. I want to understand.
Wild that LeBron James is winning this. Scroll down — the real answer is further down the board.
Came for the argument, stayed for the comparison grid. The numbers settle half the fights here.
The criteria line matters here. Read it before you vote or you're arguing about a different list.
Missing a few names that belong in the top ten, but the top three is basically right.
LeBron James at the top is the correct call and I'll die on this hill.