LeBron James, a basketball legend and star for the Los Angeles Lakers, cemented his place as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on February 7, 2023, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record of 38,387 career regular-season points. In the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron scored 38 points to bring his total to 38,390. Since then, he has continued to shatter scoring milestones, reaching 40,000 points on March 2, 2024, and amassing 40,834 points by November 2024. His career total across regular season and playoff games now exceeds 48,500 points, solidifying his unmatched scoring legacy.
LeBron’s achievements in the 2023/24 season further elevated his legendary status. He became the first player to win the NBA Cup as his Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in the final of the inaugural In-Season Tournament. By the end of that season, he had tallied 40,474 regular-season points and helped the Lakers return to the NBA Playoffs. Additionally, LeBron made his first appearance in the league’s new Play-In Tournament, adding to his extensive list of career milestones.
LeBron’s Olympic record is equally remarkable, with four medals (three golds and one bronze) across four appearances. He was instrumental in Team USA’s victories at Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Paris 2024, while also earning a bronze medal at Athens 2004. Over his Olympic career, he scored 358 points, showcasing his excellence on the international stage. This record complements his NBA dominance, making him one of the most accomplished basketball players globally.
The all-time scoring lists highlight LeBron’s supremacy. In regular-season scoring, he tops the list with 40,834 points, ahead of Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928). In playoff scoring, he leads with 8,162 points, far ahead of Michael Jordan’s 5,987. Active players like Kevin Durant, who ranks eighth in regular-season scoring (29,172) and seventh in playoff scoring (4,985), remain distant challengers to LeBron’s throne. These achievements underscore his enduring dominance in the NBA.
LeBron’s career records are staggering. He is a four-time NBA Champion, four-time NBA MVP, and an 18-time All-Star, among other accolades. He is the only player in NBA history with at least 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists, and he has scored 10 or more points in over 1,000 consecutive games. As debates about the greatest basketball player of all time continue, LeBron’s unparalleled accomplishments in scoring, longevity, and versatility strengthen his case as the GOAT of men’s basketball.
NBA’s All-time Scoring Lists
Regular Season (as of November 21, 2024)
| Position | Name | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LeBron James | 40,834 |
| 2 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 38,387 |
| 3 | Karl Malone | 36,928 |
| 4 | Kobe Bryant | 33,643 |
| 5 | Michael Jordan | 32,292 |
| 6 | Dirk Nowitzki | 31,560 |
| 7 | Wilt Chamberlain | 31,419 |
| 8 | Kevin Durant | 29,172 |
| 9 | Shaquille O’Neal | 28,596 |
| 10 | Carmelo Anthony | 28,289 |
Playoffs (as of April 29, 2024)
| Position | Player Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LeBron James | 8,162 |
| 2 | Michael Jordan | 5,987 |
| 3 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 5,762 |
| 4 | Kobe Bryant | 5,640 |
| 5 | Shaquille O’Neal | 5,250 |
| 6 | Tim Duncan | 5,172 |
| 7 | Kevin Durant | 4,985 |
| 8 | Karl Malone | 4,761 |
| 9 | Jerry West | 4,457 |
| 10 | Tony Parker | 4,045 |
