Who Are the Top 15 Scorers in NBA History

Rank	Player	Points Scored	HOF
1	LeBron James (active)	40,376	No
2	Kareem Abdul-Jabbar*	38,387	Yes
3	Karl Malone*	36,928	Yes
4	Kobe Bryant*	33,643	Yes
5	Michael Jordan*	32,292	Yes
6	Dirk Nowitzki*	31,560	Yes
7	Wilt Chamberlain*	31,419	Yes
8	Julius Erving*	30,026	Yes
9	Moses Malone*	29,580	Yes
10	Kevin Durant (active)	28,836	No
11	Shaquille O’Neal*	28,596	Yes
12	Carmelo Anthony (active)	28,289	No
13	Dan Issel*	27,482	Yes
14	Elvin Hayes*	27,313	Yes
15	Hakeem Olajuwon*	26,946	Yes

Note: LeBron James is still an active player and his point total will continue to rise. Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony are also active players and may move up the rankings in the future.

Top 15 Scorers in NBA History

LeBron James (active)

LeBron James, nicknamed “The King”, tops the scoring charts as of April 2024, even though he is still playing. He got an incredible total of 39,822 points, putting him on top of everyone else. His expertise in all aspects of the game, along with his smart plays and long career, has propelled him to this top spot. LeBron is known for his strong drives, accurate passing, and clutch play. He can score from anywhere on the court, whether he’s going for a layup, hitting a mid-range shot, or hitting a three, making him a true offensive powerhouse.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (HOF)

Let’s talk about basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar! You know him for the iconic “Skyhook” shot that he used to have on the court. It was like a magic move that the defenders couldn’t stop. That was enough to land him in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Kareem is second on the all-time scoring list with 38,387 points. And did you know he’s still the leading scorer in regular-season games in NBA history? Yes, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar truly left his mark on the game!

Karl Malone (HOF)

Let’s talk about “The Mailman” Karl Malone! The guy was a scoring machine, scoring buckets consistently throughout his career. With 36,928 points, Karl Malone sits comfortably in third place on the all-time scoring list. He fueled the success of Utah Jazz throughout the 90s. Karl Malone definitely left his mark on the game!

Kobe Bryant (HOF)

Let’s talk about the one and only “Black Mamba,” Kobe Bryant! Even though we tragically lost Kobe, his impact on the basketball world still shines brightly. He is like a guiding light, inspiring players everywhere to push themselves to the limit. Kobe Bryant ranks fourth on the all-time scoring list with an impressive 33,643 points. They are forever etched in NBA history.

Michael Jordan (HOF)

Let’s talk about the one and only Michael Jordan, often called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in basketball! This guy’s scoring skills were off the charts. I mean, he was a legend on the court! With his amazing athleticism, crazy jumping ability and unbeatable drive to win, he was a nightmare for anyone trying to guard him. Throughout his incredible career, Michael Jordan scored 32,292 points. Michael Jordan wasn’t just a player; It was an event.

Dirk Nowitzki (HOF)

Dirk Nowitzki, also known as the “German Wunderkind”, surprised everyone with his special one-legged fadeaway shot. This move was not common, but it became his trademark. His height, combined with his ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, made him a real problem for other teams. He scored an impressive 31,560 points in his career. His combination of size, skill and shooting accuracy changed how people viewed power forwards in basketball.

Wilt Chamberlain (HOF)

Wilt Chamberlain, who reigned in the 60s, scored a whopping 31,419 points. He made his way through just his insane size, strength and athleticism. The guy was a scoring machine, he even held the record for most 100 points in a single game. Which makes him a true basketball legend.

Julius Erving (HOF)

Let me introduce you to Dr. Speaking of which – he was like a real superstar of basketball, really bringing wow to the game. He scored 30,026 points throughout his career. His creativity with the ball and ability to finish around the rim made him a fan favorite.

Moses Malone (HOF)

Was a rebounding machine with a tireless scoring mentality. Malone dominated the paint with his powerful post moves and fierce work ethic. Has scored 29,580 points in his career. He has won championships with both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets.

Kevin Durant (active)

Let’s talk about Kevin Durant aka “Durantula”! With his height and those silky smooth shooting skills, he is a nightmare for defenders. He has already scored an impressive 28,836 points in his career. Durant is still playing, and he is definitely one to watch for more records in the future!

Shaquille O’Neal (HOF)

Let’s talk about the herb, the unstoppable force! They call him “Shaq Diesel” for a reason – he has a power that can’t be stopped. Shaquille O’Neal has made his way to an impressive 28,596 points. He’s got the championship rings to prove he’s one of the greatest.

Carmelo Anthony (active)

From a young age, Carmelo Anthony has been a scoring machine. They call him “Melo” for short, and he has a silky smooth shot and a knack for finding space to shoot. An impressive twelfth place with 28,289 points. Melo’s got that easy jump shot, some fancy footwork and the ability to make his own shots, making him a legend on the court.

Dan Issel (HOF)

“The Clutch” was known for its toughness and clutch performance. Issel might not have been the flashiest player on the court, but he certainly knew how to play smart. He spent most of his playing days with the Denver Nuggets and holds a special place in the hearts of their fans. He left his mark on the game with a total of 27,482 points.

Elvin Hayes (HOF)

Nicknamed “The Big E”, he was known for his thunderous dunks and ability to outrun defenders. Hayes played for multiple teams throughout his career, but his scoring ability remained undeniable. With a total of 27,313 points, he definitely made his mark in basketball history.

Hakeem Olajuwon (HOF)

“The Dream” was a master of footwork and post moves. His defensive prowess was equally impressive, but his ability to score with finesse and power cemented his place among the NBA’s all-time scoring greats. He was a scoring machine, scoring 26,946 points!

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