NBA has had the good fortune to have some of the best scorers to ever step foot on the court, which is why it has long been the most popular basketball in the world.

In order to win the game, you must score points. There are numerous methods to score, but it's not as easy as it seems. Some examples include layups, dunks, post-up moves, jump shots, and more.

No matter their position or playing style, there are players who can score frequently and make it appear simple. There are experts in the post, transition game, perimeter, and other areas.

LeBron James has moved up to No. 3 on the NBA's all-time scoring list, passing legendary Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant, adding to his already illustrious history. But who among the two is a more proficient scorer?

Looking at point totals isn't the easiest way to answer the question. Instead, it requires a clear approach that takes into account total output as well as efficiency, endurance, and personal style. 

Here is a list of the all-time top NBA scorers.


NBA: Top 10 Scorers Of All Time

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The top 10 scorers of all time according to ESPN, including inactive players, are shown below:

10. Moses Malone: 27,409

9. Carmelo Anthony: 28,289

8. Shaquille O’Neal: 28,596

7. Wilt Chamberlain: 31,419

6. Dirk Nowitzki: 31,560

5. Michael Jordan: 32,292

4. Kobe Bryant: 33,643

3. Karl Malone: 36,928

2. LeBron James: 37,062

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 38,387


Although James has remained in third place since passing Kobe Bryant in January 2020, he has now moved to second place. James needs 1,325 points to pass Abdul-Jabbar for first place with 38,387 points.

In his 18-year career, James has only twice been unable to score 1,562 points in a season, but both instances occurred in the last three years. Whether it happens this season or the one after, when James eventually surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's , he will be the number one NBA scorer.

Anthony, who finished the season with 924 points over 69 games and 28,289 points for his career, dethroned Elvin Hayes in 2020–21. Anthony needs just a few games to acquire the 307 points necessary for him to pass Shaq, who now holds 28,596, and seize sole ownership of the eighth place.

To surpass Wilt Chamberlain for seventh place, Shaquille O'Neal would need to score 2,823 points, which would be his highest scoring total since 2017–18 while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

And that concludes the list of the NBA top 10 scorers of all time. We hope some of your favourites have made it to the list.


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