As LeBron James aces an unprecedented feat of 40,000 NBA points, here are the 25 top scorers in league history who rewrote the record books.

10. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is a former small forward who had spent 19 seasons in the NBA, playing for teams such as the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers.

He has been a 10-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2013. Anthony scored 28,289 points in his career, placing him 10th on the list of highest points scorers in the history of NBA.
Carmelo Anthony (via Grass and Court)
In addition to his signature scoring in the mid-range, Anthony was a proficient three-point shooter, capable of stretching the floor and keeping defenders honest with his outside shooting. His scoring versatility allowed him to adapt to different defensive schemes and excel in a variety of offensive sets.

9. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is considered one of the best players in the league. He is a versatile forward who has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors—where he won back-to-back Championships—and the Brooklyn Nets.

Now playing for the Phoenix Suns, Durant has scored 28,318 points so far in his career, making his way up into the top 10 scorers in NBA history.

One of the most dominant centers in NBA history is Shaquille O’Neal, better known by his nickname “Shaq.” On the list of NBA history’s top scorers, he ranks in eighth position with 28,596 points scored during his playing career.
7. Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain is widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in the history of the NBA. In his career, he scored 31,419 points, placing him seventh on the list of NBA’s all-time leading scorers.

Chamberlain is known for scoring the highest point record in a game (100), a feat which has remained intact.
Wilt Chamberlain (via NBA)
In addition to his scoring in the paint, Chamberlain was also a proficient mid-range shooter, capable of knocking down jump shots with consistency. His scoring versatility allowed him to adapt to different defensive schemes and excel in a variety of offensive sets.

6. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki is one of the most skilled power forwards in NBA history. He finished his career with 31,560 points, which put him in sixth place among NBA scorers of all-time.

Nowitzki played for the Dallas Mavericks throughout his entire 21-year career. His signature one-legged fadeaway jumper and his ability to stretch the floor, earned him the nickname “The Big German.”
Dirk Nowitzki (via FromTheBend)
He excelled in perimeter shooting, using his height and shooting range to knock down shots from beyond the arc with precision. Nowitzki’s shooting ability forced defenders to respect his range, opening up opportunities for him to drive to the basket or create scoring chances for his teammates. Dirk Nowitzki remains one of the most revered figures in NBA history.

5. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is often referred to as the greatest basketball player of all time, due to his unparalleled success and impact on the game. He finished his career with 32,292 points, winning six Championships as the cornerstone of the Bulls dynasty.

MJ ranks fifth in the all-time scoring chart. Jordan excelled in all facets of scoring, whether it was driving to the basket with explosiveness, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or hitting clutch shots from beyond the arc.
Michael Jordan (via NBA)
Michael Jordan’s ability to score in a variety of ways made him unstoppable on offense. In addition to his scoring, Jordan was a tenacious defender, using anticipation to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals. His defensive prowess often led to fast-break opportunities and easy baskets for his team.

4. Kobe Bryant

One of the best NBA players in league history, Kobe Bryant sadly passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020. He amassed 33,643 points throughout his 20-season career, which places him fourth all-time in NBA scoring.

Bryant played his whole career for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championship rings, two MVP awards in the Finals, and made 18 All-Star appearances.
Kobe Bryant (via Grass and Court)
Bryant’s playing style was characterized by his relentless pursuit of perfection and his ability to score in a variety of ways, earning him the nickname “The Black Mamba.” Bryant’s scoring prowess wasn’t just about physical skills. He also possessed an unparalleled mental toughness and killer instinct, allowing him to excel in pressure situations and deliver in clutch moments.

3. Karl Malone

Another player who deserves recognition for his outstanding scoring ability is Karl Malone, widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary power forwards ever to play the game. With 36,928 points, he stands tall in third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Karl Malone (via NBA)
Malone’s ability to finish around the rim with authority made him a constant scoring threat in the paint. In addition to his scoring in the post, Malone was also a proficient mid-range shooter, capable of knocking down jump shots with consistency.

His ability to stretch the floor and keep defenders on their toes made him a great asset for his team. Malone remains one of the best players in league history.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is second on the list of NBA history’s best scorers, with a mind-boggling 38,387 points. His record of being the highest scoring athlete in the history of the NBA remained intact for almost 40 years until LeBron surpassed the mark.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (via SI)
Abdul-Jabbar utilized his exceptional height, skillset and signature skyhook shot to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during his time in the league. His graceful footwork, unstoppable post moves, and unparalleled basketball IQ, earned him the nicknames “The Captain” and “The Big Fella.”

Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring prowess wasn’t limited to offense. He was also a dominant force on the defensive end, using his shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts to protect the rim and anchor his team’s defense. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his 20 seasons in the NBA.

1. LeBron James

LeBron James is still active in the league and continues to add to his impressive point total. King James has already scored 40,017 points and counting, putting him in first place on the list of highest points scorers in the history of the NBA.

In fact, LeBron is the first ever player to have crossed the 40,000 NBA points milestone in league history.
LeBron James (via Instagram)
James excels in driving to the basket, using his strength and explosiveness to finish through contact and soar for thunderous dunks. LeBron James’ physicality and agility make him a constant threat in transition, where he utilizes his speed and court vision to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Already a four-time NBA Champion, LeBron continues to be one of the premier superstars in the league even at 39. By the time he retires, who knows how many points King James will have beside his name!