NBA All-Time: The Top 10 Scoring Legends You Need to Know

The NBA has seen a host of superstars over its decades-long history — but few have scored as consistently and prolifically as these all-time greats. Here are the 10 players who top the career regular season scoring charts, as of 2025.

Why These Players Are Special

• Longevity and consistency: At the top of the list, players like LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar span decades, proving durability and high-level performance over long careers.

• Scoring versatility: Many of these legends didn’t just score in one way — they had post moves, mid-range shots, perimeter shooting, etc. That versatility helped them remain elite across eras.

• Era-spanning impact: Names like Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Dirk Nowitzki represent different eras of basketball — yet all found ways to dominate scoring no matter the style of play.

• Legacy beyond numbers: For many, the points are just part of the story — championships, influence on the game, and cultural impact help define their legacy.

What It Means for Today’s Fans

• The “all-time scoring list” remains a benchmark — current players chasing it know they’re competing against legends.

• As of 2025, LeBron James stands alone at the top with over 42,000 career points, a record that once seemed untouchable.

• Younger stars like Kevin Durant continue to climb the ranks, showing that even in modern, more pace-heavy basketball, longevity and skill can still write history.