The NBA’s scoring ladder never stops moving, even decades after some of its biggest stars played their final game. With active legends still piling on points and iconic names holding firm near the top, the all-time list tells the story of eras, styles, and players who simply refused to slow down. Here’s where the top 10 stand as of early December 2025.
10. James Harden
Dec 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) reacts during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Total Points: 28,290
Status: Active
Harden’s rise into the top 10 feels like the natural ending to a career built on creativity and timing. His step-back three changed the league, and even late in his career, he’s finding ways to stay productive. Now officially in the top tier of scorers, he’s still within reach of climbing at least one more spot.
9. Shaquille O’Neal
Mar. 22, 2008; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center (32) Shaquille O’Neal against the Houston Rockets at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Total Points: 28,596
Status: Retired
Shaq didn’t just score; he overwhelmed. For years, he turned the paint into his personal runway, bulldozing defenders and bending defenses around his presence. Nearly 29,000 points later, he remains the standard for brute-force scoring in the modern era.
8. Kevin Durant
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Total Points: 31,051
Status: Active
Durant continues to score with the same smooth, effortless stroke that’s defined his career. Passing 31,000 points in 2025 just added another milestone to one of the cleanest offensive résumés the league has ever seen. When KD is rolling, there’s still no honest answer for him.
7. Wilt Chamberlain
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain (13) is defended by San Francisco Warriors center Nate Thurmond (42) and Joe Ellis (31) at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Total Points: 31,419
Status: Retired
Wilt’s numbers still read like tall tales, but they’re very real. A 100-point game, a 50-point season, and scoring marks that feel out of reach for anyone. His place on this list is built on dominance that basketball might never witness again.
6. Dirk Nowitzki
Nov 11, 2009; San Antonio, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) in a game against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Total Points: 31,560
Status: Retired
Dirk changed the game in his own quiet way. A 7-footer shooting fadeaway threes wasn’t normal before he arrived, and his signature one-legged jumper is still being copied today. His scoring legacy is as unique as the path he took to get there.
5. Michael Jordan
Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23), right, goes up against Utah Jazz player Bryon Russell (3) in Game 5 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Credit: Anne Ryan-USA TODAY
Total Points: 32,292
Status: Retired
Jordan didn’t need the longest career to leave a massive scoring footprint. Ten scoring titles, the highest career scoring average ever, and countless nights where he simply took over. Even with two retirements in the middle, MJ’s scoring résumé still towers over most.
4. Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Staples Center. The New York Knicks won 90-87. Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images
Total Points: 33,643
Status: Retired
Kobe chased excellence with a relentlessness few could match. Every move, every angle, every counter was sharpened over years of obsession. The result: more than 33,000 points and a scoring legacy built on skill, toughness, and an unmatched competitive edge.
3. Karl Malone
Karl Malone | David Madison/Getty Images
Total Points: 36,928
Status: Retired
Malone didn’t always dominate the headlines, but night after night, he piled up points with power, consistency, and precision. Nearly 37,000 points later, he remains one of the most durable scoring forces the league has ever seen.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Unknown date, 1968 & location, USA: FILE PHOTO; UCLA Bruins center Lew Alcindor (33) later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in action against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
Total Points: 38,387
Status: Retired
For almost 40 years, Kareem stood alone at the top of the scoring world. His skyhook was a cheat code; unstoppable and ideally suited for two decades of greatness. Even after his passing, his scoring legacy remains as monumental as ever.
1. LeBron James
Dec 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Total Points: 42,297
Status: Active
LeBron continues to stretch his own record with remarkable steadiness. Passing 42,000 points in the 2025–26 season, he’s creating distance between himself and everyone else, past or present. His scoring isn’t just a matter of longevity; it’s an evolution in real time.
Closing thoughts
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts after a win over the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The names on this list represent different eras, styles, and methods of dominating a scoreboard. Some climbed through sheer power, others through finesse, and a few through a mix of everything. The only certainty is that the story isn’t finished, especially with a couple of active greats still adding to their totals.