Who Has the Most Points in NBA History? All-Time Career Scoring Leaders

The NBA all-time scoring list is led by a player whose longevity and versatility allowed him to surpass legends of the past. Behind him stand some of the greatest names the league has ever seen, each defined by unique scoring styles and lasting impact on the game.

LeBron James: The NBA’s All-Time Scoring Leader

LeBron James sits at the top of the NBA’s all-time career scoring list, having surpassed 42,000 regular-season points. His scoring achievement is the result of more than two decades of elite play, during which he remained one of the league’s most reliable offensive forces year after year.

What makes LeBron’s scoring record remarkable is adaptability. Early in his career, he relied heavily on athleticism and rim attacks, while later evolving into a complete scorer capable of dominating from the post, midrange, and three-point line. This evolution allowed him to maintain elite production well into the later stages of his career.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The Former Record Holder

Before LeBron claimed the top spot, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the all-time scoring record for nearly 40 years with 38,387 points. His legendary skyhook became one of the most unstoppable shots in basketball history and served as the foundation of his scoring dominance.

Kareem’s consistency over a 20-season career set the standard for longevity and efficiency. Even decades after retirement, his scoring total remains one of the most respected benchmarks in NBA history and still ranks second all-time.

Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant: Longevity and Volume

Karl Malone ranks among the top scorers ever with 36,928 points, built on physical dominance, durability, and relentless consistency. Known for his strength and midrange shooting, Malone rarely missed games and remained a primary scoring option deep into his career.

Close behind is Kobe Bryant, who finished his career with 33,643 points. Kobe’s scoring résumé includes elite footwork, difficult shot-making, and an unmatched competitive drive. His ability to score in isolation and in clutch moments defined an entire generation of basketball.

Michael Jordan and the Elite Scorers Club

Michael Jordan rounds out the top five with 32,292 career points, achieved despite playing fewer seasons than many players ahead of him. Jordan’s scoring efficiency and dominance led to multiple scoring titles and cemented his reputation as one of the greatest offensive players of all time.

Beyond the top five, the all-time scoring list includes other legends such as Dirk Nowitzki, Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin Durant, Shaquille O’Neal, and James Harden. Each brought a unique scoring style that helped redefine their respective eras.

Why the All-Time Scoring Record Matters

The record for most points in NBA history is not just about scoring talent — it reflects sustained excellence, health, and the ability to evolve with the game. Players at the top of this list managed to remain productive across changing styles, rules, and competition levels.Tracking who has the most points in NBA history offers a powerful lens into basketball history, connecting generations of players and highlighting how greatness is measured not just in moments, but over entire careers.