All-Time NBA Scoring Leaders Ranked by Total Points Scored

Points scored refer to the total number of points a player accumulates over their NBA career. This includes all field goals (two- and three-pointers) and free throws made during official regular-season games. It is one of the most common metrics used to evaluate a player's offensive contribution.

The all-time NBA scoring leaderboard reflects not just individual brilliance, but also longevity, consistency, and evolution in the game. LeBron James, with 40,474 points, currently stands atop the list, a testament to his sustained excellence across two decades. His ability to remain at an elite level well into his late 30s has allowed him to surpass the long-standing record of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who held the top position for nearly four decades. While Kareem and Karl Malone built their scoring legacies in more traditional post-heavy eras, LeBron has thrived across multiple basketball styles, adapting his game to modern perimeter trends.

Interestingly, the chart highlights how the nature of scoring has evolved. For instance, Michael Jordan, who scored 32,292 points in only 1,072 games, boasts one of the highest points-per-game averages in NBA history, showcasing pure scoring efficiency. In contrast, players like Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan reached high scoring totals through longevity and consistent performance, despite playing in eras less dominated by high-volume scoring.

Current players like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry continue to climb the list, bringing new dynamics with their emphasis on three-point shooting and offensive versatility. Durant, with nearly 29,000 points, has a chance to move further up the rankings, assuming continued health and productivity. DeMar DeRozan, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook also feature prominently, reflecting the modern era's scoring opportunities and fast-paced style.

The diversity in nationalities—featuring players like Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria), and Tim Duncan (U.S. Virgin Islands)—also underscores the NBA's global reach. These international stars have not only held their own but often excelled among American greats, shaping the league's global identity.

This leaderboard is more than just a ranking—it's a narrative of basketball's history, tracing how players from different backgrounds and eras contributed to the evolution of scoring in the NBA. From Wilt Chamberlain's dominance in the 1960s to today's perimeter-heavy offenses, the chart reflects the league's ongoing transformation.