NBA All-Time Leading Scorers: A Historic Legacy
A different spin on career points leaders is this quiz: NBA Career Points Leaders Each Year, which highlights the players who have finished as the league’s most prolific scorer at the end of each year. Here are the handful of players who have held the title of career scoring leader since the end of the first season.
LeBron James (2023-)
LeBron James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in February 2023, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record. With a career spanning two decades, LeBron’s remarkable consistency and longevity have allowed him to accumulate over 38,000 points and counting. His ability to score from all areas of the court, combined with his playmaking skills and basketball IQ, has made him one of the greatest players in history. As of 2024, LeBron continues to add to his total, cementing his place at the top of NBA history.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1984-2023)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the NBA’s all-time scoring record for nearly 39 years, finishing his career in 1989 with 38,387 points. Famous for his unstoppable skyhook, Kareem’s scoring dominance spanned two decades, including six MVP awards and six NBA championships. His record was considered untouchable for decades, as he scored consistently throughout his career, with the Los Angeles Lakers being his longest-tenured team. His longevity and versatility made him a scoring machine across the paint and mid-range.
Wilt Chamberlain (1966-1984)
Wilt Chamberlain’s name is synonymous with scoring dominance. He became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in 1966 and held the record until Kareem Abdul-Jabbar surpassed him in 1984. Wilt scored a legendary 100 points in a single game, a record that still stands. Known for his extraordinary athleticism, Wilt finished his career with over 31,000 points. His averages of 30.1 points per game and career total of 118 50-point games are still revered in NBA history.
Bob Pettit (1963-1966)
Bob Pettit became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in 1963, continuing his dominance until Wilt Chamberlain overtook him in 1966. Pettit was the first player to reach 20,000 career points. His ability to score inside and out made him one of the premier players of his era. A two-time MVP and 11-time All-Star, Pettit was a force for the St. Louis Hawks and consistently one of the league’s best power forwards throughout his 11-year career.
Dolph Schayes (1957-1963)
Dolph Schayes led the NBA in scoring from 1957 to 1963, known for his consistency and ability to score from anywhere on the court. Schayes was a key player for the Syracuse Nationals and finished his career with over 19,000 points. His shooting prowess, combined with his rebounding ability, made him one of the most well-rounded players of his era. Schayes helped lead the Nationals to an NBA championship in 1955 and was known for his fierce competitiveness.
Ed Macauley (1957)
Ed Macauley briefly held the title of NBA’s all-time leading scorer in 1957 before being surpassed by Dolph Schayes. Macauley was a six-time All-Star and known for his smooth scoring touch and ability to finish around the rim. He was an early star for the St. Louis Hawks and the Boston Celtics, playing a key role in their success during the league’s formative years. While his reign as the top scorer was short, Macauley’s impact on the game was lasting.
George Mikan (1952-1957)
George Mikan was the NBA’s first dominant center and held the scoring title from 1952 to 1957. Mikan, known as “Mr. Basketball,” revolutionized the game with his size and skill, leading the Minneapolis Lakers to five championships. Mikan’s ability to dominate in the post set the standard for future big men, and he finished his career with over 10,000 points. His influence was so profound that the league introduced the goaltending rule to counter his shot-blocking ability.
Joe Fulks (1946-1952)
Joe Fulks was the NBA’s first-ever scoring champion, holding the top spot from 1946 to 1952. Known as “Jumping Joe,” Fulks was one of the first players to consistently utilize the jump shot, which revolutionized the game. Playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, Fulks averaged 23.9 points per game in his first season, an unheard-of figure for the time. He finished his career with over 8,000 points and is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern scoring techniques.
