Most Points Scored in NBA History – All-Time Career Leaders (Updated 2025)

When it comes to putting the ball in the basket, nobody has done it better than the names on this list. From LeBron James shattering records in his 21st season to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s decades-long reign, the NBA’s all-time scoring leaders are a mix of unstoppable scorers and timeless legends. Updated for 2025, this ranking covers the most points scored in NBA history, focusing on career regular-season totals that cement these players as the greatest offensive forces the game has ever seen. If you’re wondering who has the most points in NBA history, this list breaks down every name from LeBron to Moses Malone.

#10 – Moses Malone – 29,580 Points

Key Accolades: 3× MVP, 12× All-Star, 8× All-NBA, 1983 NBA Champion, Hall of Fame

Moses Malone didn’t just dominate the paint — he lived there. One of the greatest rebounders and interior scorers the game has ever seen, Moses bullied his way to buckets for nearly two decades. His relentless work ethic and nose for the ball made him a nightmare matchup, and his 1983 run with the 76ers (capped off with the famous “Fo’, Fo’, Fo’” prediction) cemented his legacy. In an era full of big men, Moses made sure nobody outworked him — and his spot in the top 10 scorers of all time proves it.

#9 – Julius Erving – 30,026 Points

Key Accolades: 3× MVP, 16× All-Star (ABA & NBA), 2× ABA Champion, 1× NBA Champion, Hall of Fame

Before Michael Jordan was flying through the air, Dr. J was rewriting the playbook on what basketball could look like. Julius Erving brought flair, creativity, and high-flying finishes that turned him into a global icon. But he wasn’t just a human highlight reel — Erving was a consistent scorer who put up elite numbers year after year across both the ABA and NBA. Crossing the 30,000-point milestone was just another reminder that his game wasn’t all flash — there was plenty of substance, too.

#8 – Kevin Durant – 30,571 Points

Key Accolades: 2× NBA Champion, 2× Finals MVP, 2014 MVP, 14× All-Star, 10× All-NBA, 4× Scoring Champion

Few players in NBA history have made scoring look as effortless as Kevin Durant. At nearly seven feet tall with guard skills and a pure shooting stroke, Durant is a matchup nightmare from anywhere on the floor. Whether it’s pulling up from deep, finishing in transition, or breaking down defenders in isolation, KD’s offensive arsenal is as complete as it gets. Still active and climbing the list, Durant has a chance to finish even higher before he’s done — and if you’re defending him, that’s a terrifying thought.

#7 – Wilt Chamberlain – 31,419 Points

Key Accolades: 2× NBA Champion, 4× MVP, 13× All-Star, 7× Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring numbers are the stuff of basketball mythology. This is the man who dropped 100 points in a single game and once averaged over 50 points for an entire season. Standing 7’1” with unmatched athleticism for his size, Wilt could score on anyone, anywhere, at any time. While some question how his dominance would translate to the modern game, the fact remains — no one has ever filled up the stat sheet quite like Wilt, and his 31,419 career points are proof of that.

#6 – Dirk Nowitzki – 31,560 Points

Key Accolades: 2011 NBA Champion, 2011 Finals MVP, 2007 MVP, 14× All-Star, 12× All-NBA, Hall of Fame

Dirk Nowitzki didn’t just score — he changed the game. The 7-footer from Germany revolutionized the power forward position with his silky shooting stroke and unstoppable one-legged fadeaway. For two decades in Dallas, Dirk was the Mavericks’ offensive anchor, torching defenders inside and out. His crowning achievement came in 2011, when he led the Mavs to a title over the Miami Heat’s Big Three, proving that skill and toughness could topple raw star power. His 31,560 career points make him the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history.

#5 – Michael Jordan – 32,292 Points

Key Accolades: 6× NBA Champion, 6× Finals MVP, 5× MVP, 14× All-Star, 10× Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

Michael Jordan wasn’t just a scorer — he was the scorer. Ten scoring titles, a career average of 30.1 points per game, and an ability to take over whenever the moment demanded it. From clutch game-winners to gravity-defying finishes, Jordan combined skill, athleticism, and competitive fire in a way the league had never seen. His dominance in the ’90s turned the Bulls into a global brand and himself into a sports icon. Thirty years later, his name still carries a weight few athletes in any sport can match.

#4 – Kobe Bryant – 33,643 Points

Key Accolades: 5× NBA Champion, 2× Finals MVP, 2008 MVP, 18× All-Star, 11× All-NBA First Team, 2× Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

Kobe Bryant’s scoring legacy is a mix of relentless work ethic, unmatched footwork, and an unshakable killer instinct. Whether he was dropping 81 points on the Raptors, torching defenders with fadeaways, or hitting dagger threes in crunch time, Kobe lived for the big moments. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, building a resume that blends team success with personal scoring brilliance. His 33,643 points place him firmly among the game’s immortals — a competitor who treated every possession like it was the Finals.

#3 – Karl Malone – 36,928 Points

Key Accolades: 2× MVP, 14× All-Star, 11× All-NBA First Team, Hall of Fame

Karl Malone didn’t earn the nickname “The Mailman” for nothing — he delivered night after night. A master of the pick-and-roll with John Stockton, Malone combined elite strength, mid-range touch, and durability to score at a historic rate. He played 19 seasons and rarely missed a game, piling up points through sheer consistency as much as dominance. While he never captured an NBA title, Malone’s 36,928 points remain one of the most unbreakable marks in league history, trailing only Kareem and LeBron.

#2 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 38,387 Points

Key Accolades: 6× NBA Champion, 6× MVP, 19× All-Star, 10× All-NBA First Team, Hall of Fame

For nearly four decades, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stood atop the NBA’s scoring mountain. His trademark skyhook was the most unstoppable shot in basketball history, and his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a nightmare for defenders across three different decades. Kareem’s career wasn’t just about points — it was about sustained greatness, from his early dominance in Milwaukee to his championship runs in Los Angeles. Even after LeBron passed him in 2023, Kareem’s 38,387 points remain one of the most impressive achievements in sports.

#1 – LeBron James – 42,184 Points

Key Accolades: 4× NBA Champion, 4× Finals MVP, 4× MVP, 20× All-Star, 13× All-NBA First Team

LeBron James has redefined what longevity and dominance look like in professional sports. Breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record in 2023, LeBron has only widened the gap since, continuing to pile on points well into his 21st season. Equally capable of bullying his way to the rim, hitting step-back threes, or setting up teammates, LeBron’s scoring isn’t just about volume — it’s about versatility. His 42,184 career points (and counting) may put the all-time record out of reach for generations to come.

Updated 2025 list of the top 10 players with the most points scored in NBA history, led by LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Karl Malone.

Most Points Scored in NBA History – Full List

Updated 2025 tier list of the most points scored in NBA history, featuring LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and more all-time greats.

FAQ – Most Points Scored in NBA History

Who has the most points in NBA history?
LeBron James holds the all-time NBA scoring record with 42,184 career points as of the end of the 2024–25 season. He broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record in February 2023 and continues to extend his lead.

Who held the NBA scoring record before LeBron James?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the previous record holder with 38,387 career points, a mark that stood for nearly 39 years before LeBron surpassed it.

Who are the top five scorers in NBA history?
The top five are:

1. LeBron James – 42,184 points

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 38,387 points

3. Karl Malone – 36,928 points

4. Kobe Bryant – 33,643 points

5. Michael Jordan – 32,292 points

Has anyone ever scored 100 points in a single NBA game?
Yes. Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. It remains the single-game scoring record.

Who is the youngest player to reach 30,000 career points?
LeBron James became the youngest player to reach 30,000 points at 33 years and 24 days old in January 2018.

Will LeBron James’ scoring record ever be broken?
While nothing is impossible, it will be incredibly difficult. LeBron’s combination of production, efficiency, and longevity makes his record a monumental challenge for future players.

Conclusion – Most Points Scored in NBA History

Scoring in the NBA isn’t just about putting the ball in the hoop — it’s about doing it night after night, year after year, against the best athletes in the world. From Wilt Chamberlain’s jaw-dropping single-game records to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook dominance and LeBron James’ unmatched longevity, each of these legends found their own way to the top of the scoring charts.

LeBron’s 42,184 career points (and counting) may stand as one of the most untouchable marks in sports, but history shows us that records are made to be broken. Whether it’s a future superstar or another once-in-a-generation talent, the chase for the all-time scoring crown will always be one of basketball’s greatest storylines.

Who do you think has the best shot at climbing this list in the next decade?

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