Everybody knows that reaching the pinnacle of NBA career points is no small feat, especially when looking at the numbers and the sheer volume of dedication it takes. Take Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, for instance. He remains the all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points. This wasn’t overnight work; it was the product of a 20-season career where he maintained an average of 24.6 points per game.
The industry got rocked when LeBron James broke into the top echelon of scorers in NBA history. Across his illustrious career, LeBron’s stats speak volumes: over 37,000 career points and an average of around 25.4 points per game at age 38, with his scoring prowess showing little signs of slowing down. What’s even more impressive is his on-court efficiency; LeBron’s effective field goal percentage stands at 54.5%, an astonishing figure given his long-range shooting and powerful drives to the basket.
In 1998, the world saw one of its most iconic NBA finals moments—Michael Jordan’s buzzer-beater against the Utah Jazz. By his career’s end, Jordan amassed 32,292 points. That year, he averaged 28.7 points per game, proving that legends never fade. Even though LeBron is often considered in the GOAT debate, Jordan’s unmatched scoring ability during clutch moments remains a significant talking point.
Another influential name has to be Kobe Bryant. Known as “The Black Mamba,” Bryant scored 33,643 points in his career. His famous 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors epitomizes his scoring capability and stands as the second-highest single-game score in NBA history. People often forget that Kobe maintained an average of 25 points per game over 20 seasons, even though he faced several injuries later in his career.
Then you have Karl Malone, affectionately known as “The Mailman” because he always delivered. Over 36,928 career points placed him second on the all-time list for many years. His remarkable consistency through 19 seasons, with an average of 25 points per game, is a testament to his work ethic and skill. Malone, known for his formidable post presence, also extended his prime longer than most, participating in 1,476 games.
Dirk Nowitzki, the German Wunderkind, changed the game in many ways. He scored 31,560 points and was among the first big men with a lethal perimeter game, a concept that now dominates the industry. Standing at 7 feet tall, Dirk wasn’t just a traditional big; he revolutionized the power forward position by being one of the best shooters the game has ever seen. His fadeaway jumper is etched into the minds of basketball fans forever.
Wilt Chamberlain’s numbers often seem otherworldly. Imagine scoring 100 points in a single game. That’s what Wilt did in 1962, leading him to a career total of over 31,000 points. His averages were near 30 points per game, in an era where defensive schemes were vastly different. His height and agility gave him an unparalleled advantage, something the industry hadn’t seen before.
Next, we look at Shaquille O’Neal, whose dominating physical presence allowed him to score 28,596 points. Weighing over 300 pounds and standing 7’1”, Shaq executed with a power and finesse rarely seen in players of his size. His ability to dominate under the basket was unheard of, and his charisma off the court only added to his legend. What baffles many is his actual efficiency around the rim, logging a 58.2% field goal percentage across his career.
Let’s not forget Tim Duncan, “The Big Fundamental,” who amassed 26,496 points in his career. Duncan, with his impeccable footwork and bank shot, defined efficiency. His career was characterized by consistency and sustainability, averaging 19 points per game over 19 seasons. In today’s game, his power forward to center versatility remains a blueprint for aspiring big men.
Kevin Durant is one of the few active players poised to enter the realm of these legends. As of now, he’s scored over 26,000 points at an average of around 27 points per game. Durant’s unparalleled scoring ability, both inside and beyond the arc, along with a true shooting percentage of 61%, places him in elite company. His joining of the Golden State Warriors in 2016, often considered a controversial move, did push his career trajectory to a different level, leading to multiple championships and more prolific scoring seasons.
Carmelo Anthony, too, deserves a mention. With over 28,000 career points, Carmelo’s scoring talent can’t be denied. Known for his iso scoring and mid-range game, Melo has always been a scoring machine. Despite the ups and downs in his career and time in the league, his knack for putting the ball in the basket keeps him relevant in discussions about elite scorers.
A fascinating name to watch develop has to be James Harden. The man could cook up a score like it was nobody’s business, hitting the 3-point mark with jaw-dropping precision. Harden has already crossed the 24,000 career points threshold and shows no signs of slowing down, given his current scoring average hovers around 25 points per game. His time with the Houston Rockets saw him consistently leading the league in scoring, even achieving a career-high 36.1 points per game in the 2018-2019 season.
And there you have it, folks. Icons who have packed stadiums and lit up our screens, their career points serving as milestones not just in their own lives, but in the tapestry of basketball history. For more on this topic, check out this nba career points resource.