Basketball is one of the most popular and exciting sports in the world, with millions of fans and players across the globe. The NBA, or the National Basketball Association, is the premier professional basketball league in the world, featuring the best players and teams from North America. The NBA has a rich history and tradition, dating back to 1946, and has produced some of the greatest legends and stars of the game.
One of the most important and impressive aspects of basketball is scoring, or putting the ball in the basket. Scoring is not only a skill, but also an art, requiring talent, technique, creativity and consistency. Some players have mastered the art of scoring, breaking records and making history with their incredible performances.
But who are the top 10 scorers in NBA history? How many points did they score in their careers? What made them so dominant and prolific? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, by presenting the top 10 scorers in NBA history, based on their total points scored in regular season games, as of September 2023, according to ESPN.
1. LeBron James
Total points: 38,652
Ranking: The highest scorer in NBA history and the only active player in the top 10
Highlights: LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, with four NBA championships, four MVP awards, four Finals MVP awards and 17 All-Star selections. He is also one of the most versatile and complete players ever, excelling in every aspect of the game. He can score from anywhere on the court, with power, finesse and intelligence. He is also a great passer, rebounder and defender, making him a triple-threat and a leader.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Total points: 38,387
Ranking: The second highest scorer in NBA history and the holder of six NBA championships
Highlights: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is considered as one of the most dominant and influential players ever, with six MVP awards, two Finals MVP awards and 19 All-Star selections. He is also the inventor of the skyhook, a signature shot that was virtually unstoppable and became his trademark. He was a master of the post game, using his height, skill and agility to score over any defender.
3. Karl Malone
Total points: 36,928
Ranking: The third highest scorer in NBA history and the holder of two MVP awards
Highlights: Karl Malone is known as one of the best power forwards of all time, with 14 All-Star selections and two Olympic gold medals. He was part of one of the most iconic duos in NBA history, along with John Stockton, forming the backbone of the Utah Jazz for almost two decades. He was a relentless scorer, using his strength, speed and stamina to overpower his opponents.
4. Kobe Bryant
Total points: 33,643
Ranking: The fourth highest scorer in NBA history and the holder of five NBA championships
Highlights: Kobe Bryant is regarded as one of the greatest competitors and winners of all time, with one MVP award, two Finals MVP awards and 18 All-Star selections. He was also one of the most skilled and clutch players ever, with a killer instinct and a legendary work ethic. He could score from any angle, distance and situation, with an array of moves and shots.
5. Michael Jordan
Total points: 32,292
Ranking: The fifth highest scorer in NBA history and widely considered as the greatest player of all time
Highlights: Michael Jordan is synonymous with basketball greatness, with six NBA championships, six Finals MVP awards, five MVP awards and 14 All-Star selections. He was also a global icon and a cultural phenomenon, transcending sports and inspiring generations. He was a phenomenal scorer, with an unmatched combination of athleticism, skill, creativity and charisma. He was also a fierce defender, a clutch performer and a leader.
6. Dirk Nowitzki
Total points: 31,560
Ranking: The sixth highest scorer in NBA history and the holder of one NBA championship
Highlights: Dirk Nowitzki is recognized as one of the best power forwards and shooters of all time, with one MVP award, one Finals MVP award and 14 All-Star selections. He was also one of the most influential international players ever, paving the way for many European stars to follow. He revolutionized the game with his ability to shoot from long range and off the dribble, using his height, skill and touch.
7. Wilt Chamberlain
Total points: 31,419
Ranking: The seventh highest scorer in NBA history and the holder of two NBA championships
Highlights: Wilt Chamberlain is considered as one of the most dominant and prolific players ever, with four MVP awards, one Finals MVP award and 13 All-Star selections. He is also the owner of some of the most astonishing records in NBA history, such as scoring 100 points in a single game and averaging 50.4 points per game in a season. He was a physical marvel, using his size, strength and agility to score at will.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
Total points: 28,596
Ranking: The eighth highest scorer in NBA history and the holder of four NBA championships
Highlights: Shaquille O’Neal is regarded as one of the most powerful and charismatic players ever, with one MVP award, three Finals MVP awards and 15 All-Star selections. He was also one of the most entertaining and popular players ever, with a larger-than-life personality and a rap career. He was a force of nature, using his massive body, skill and agility to dominate the paint.
9. Carmelo Anthony
Total points: 28,289
Ranking: The ninth highest scorer in NBA history and the only active player in the top 10 besides LeBron James
Highlights: Carmelo Anthony is recognized as one of the best scorers and clutch players of his generation, with 10 All-Star selections and one scoring title. He is also one of the most decorated international players ever, with three Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal. He is a versatile scorer, with a smooth jumper, a quick first step and a knack for hitting big shots.
10. Moses Malone
Total points: 27,409
Ranking: The 10th highest scorer in NBA history and the holder of one NBA championship
Highlights: Moses Malone is known as one of the best centers and rebounders of all time, with three MVP awards, one Finals MVP award and 13 All-Star selections. He was also one of the first players to make the jump from high school to the pros, becoming a pioneer for many others to follow. He was a relentless scorer, using his strength, skill and hustle to dominate the boards.
These are the top 10 scorers in NBA history, according to ESPN. These players have left their mark on the game, with their amazing achievements, skills and styles. They have also inspired and influenced countless fans and players around the world, with their passion, dedication and excellence. They are truly the legends of basketball.