LeBron James Passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Stand Atop the NBA's All-Time Points Leaderboard -- How Does the Rest of the Leaderboard Shape Up?

LeBron James Passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Stand Atop the NBA’s All-Time Points Leaderboard — How Does the Rest of the Leaderboard Shape Up?

When the 2022-23 regular season began, LeBron James was just 1,326 points away from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and standing alone atop the NBA’s all-time points leaderboard. For a player who scored 1,695 points last season in just 56 games played, it was only a matter of time until that happened.

On February 7, it happened. His Los Angeles Lakers were matched up against the Oklahoma City Thunder and James entered the game with 38,352 career points – needing 36 to pass Kareem. With just seconds left in the third quarter, LeBron hit a fadeaway jumper that gave him 37 points on the night. 

James ended the game with 38 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in the Lakers’ 130-133 loss to the Thunder. Abdul-Jabbar, who had 38,387 career points in 20 seasons, was in attendance to witness the special moment. Once it happened, play stopped and a small ceremony began before play continued.

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Breaking Down the NBA’s All-Time Points Leaderboard

LeBron James Passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Stand Atop the NBA's All-Time Points Leaderboard -- How Does the Rest of the Leaderboard Shape Up?
via Instagram (@kingjames)

LeBron James has only played in three games since that incredible moment and is now nursing an injury that will keep him sidelined for the next few weeks (at least), but has already added another 60 points to his total. As of March 10, James has 38,450 career points atop the NBA’s all-time points leaderboard. 

He’s the only active player in the top-10 (Carmelo Anthony is No. 9, but hasn’t played since last season) and one of two active players in the top-20 (Kevin Durant is No. 13) – which goes to show how incredible James’ career has been. More active players will make their way into the top-20, but not this season. 

Looking at the top-20 players on the NBA’s all-time points leaderboard, all-but five players are in the Hall of Fame – including James, Anthony, and Durant (all future Hall of Famers). The other two are Dirk Nowitzki (a Class of 2023 finalist) and Vince Carter (will enter the ballot for the first time next year). 

With that said, let’s take a look at how the top-20 looks today!

20. Vince Carter – 25,728 points

Vince Carter scored 25,728 points during his 22-year career in the NBA between 1998 and 2020. He played for the Raptors, Nets, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Hawks, Magic, Kings, and Suns – averaging 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 30.1 minutes per game (1,541 games). 

Carter was an 8-time All-Star, 2-time All-NBA player who won the Rookie of the Year award in 1998-99. He averaged at least 20 points per game in 10 consecutive seasons, including a career-high 27.6 points per game during the 2000-01 season. He scored a career-high 51 points twice – in 2000 and 2005. 

19. Kevin Garnett – 26,071 points

Kevin Garnett scored 26,071 points during his 21-year career in the NBA between 1995 and 2016. He played 14 seasons for the Timberwolves, 6 seasons with the Celtics, and 2 seasons with the Nets – averaging 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 1,462 games played. 

Garnett was a 15-time All-Star, 2007-08 Defensive Player of the Year, 2008 NBA Champion, 2003-04 MVP, 12-time All-Defensive, and 9-time All-NBA player. He averaged at least 20 points per game in nine straight seasons, led the league in rebounding four times, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

18. John Havlicek – 26,395 points

John Havlicek scored 26,395 points during his 16-year career in the NBA between 1962 and 1978. He spent his entire career with the Boston Celtics and rarely missed a game in those 16 seasons. He averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 36.6 minutes per game (1,270 games played). 

Havlicek was a 13-time All-Star, 8-time NBA Champion, 1973-74 Finals MVP, 11-time All-NBA, and 8-time All-Defensive forward who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. He averaged at least 20 points per game in eight straight seasons, including a career-high 28.9 points per game in the 1970-71 season.

17. Paul Pierce – 26,397 points

Paul Pierce scored 26,397 points during his 19-year career in the NBA between 1998 and 2017. He played 15 seasons with the Celtics before ending his career with the Clippers, Nets, and Wizards. He averaged 19.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 34.2 minutes per game (1,343 games).

Pierce was a 10-time All-Star, 2008 NBA Champion, 2007-08 Finals MVP, and four-time All-NBA player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021. He averaged at least 20 points per game in eight seasons – including a career-high 26.8 points per game (79 games) during the 2005-06 season. 

16. Tim Duncan – 26,496 points

Tim Duncan scored 26,496 points during his 19-year career in the NBA between 1997 and 2016. He spent his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs and remained effective until the end. He averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks in 34.0 minutes per game (1,392 games). 

Duncan was a 15-time All-Star, 5-time NBA Champion, 3-time Finals MVP, 2-time MVP, 1999-00 All-Star MVP, 1997-98 Rookie of the Year, 15-time All-Defensive, and 15-time All-NBA player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. He averaged at least 20 points per game in 9 of his first 10 seasons. 

15. Dominique Wilkins – 26,668 points

Dominique Wilkins scored 26,668 points during his 15-year career in the NBA between 1982 and 1999. He spent 12 years with the Hawks before finishing his career with the Celtics, Spurs, Magic, and Clippers. He had 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 35.5 minutes per game (1,074 games). 

Wilkins was a 9-time All-Star and 7-time All-NBA forward who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. He led the league in scoring with 30.3 points per game (78 games) during the 1985-86 season and had at least 25 points per game in 10 straight seasons. He had a career-high 30.7 points per game in 1987-88.

14. Oscar Robertson – 26,710 points

Oscar Robertson scored 26,710 points during his 14-year career in the NBA between 1960 and 1974. He played 10 seasons for the Cincinnati Royals and 4 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks – averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in 42.2 minutes per game (1,040 career games played).

Robertson was a 12-time All-Star, 1971 NBA Champion, 1963-64 MVP, 1960-61 Rookie of the Year, and 3-time All-Star MVP who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980. He led the league in assists six times and led the league in scoring once – he had at least 30 points per game on six separate occasions.

13. Kevin Durant – 26,764 points (and counting)

Kevin Durant has scored 26,764 points so far in his 15-year career since being drafted in 2007. He has played for the SuperSonics, Thunder, Warriors, Nets, and currently plays for the Suns. He averages 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 36.7 minutes per game (981 games). 

Durant is a 13-time All-Star, 2007-08 Rookie of the Year, 2013-14 MVP, 2-time NBA Champion, 2-time Finals MVP, 2-time All-Star MVP, 10-time All-NBA forward, and future Hall of Famer. He has led the league in scoring four times – including a career-high 32.0 points per game during the 2013-14 season.

12. Hakeem Olajuwon – 26,946 points

Hakeem Olajuwon scored 26,946 points during his 18-year career in the NBA between 1984 and 2002. He played 17 seasons with the Rockets before finishing his career with the Raptors. He averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.1 blocks in 35.7 minutes per game (1,238 games). 

Olajuwon was a 12-time All-Star, 1993-94 MVP, 2-time NBA Champion, 2-time Finals MVP, 2-time Defensive Player of the Year, 12-time All-NBA, and 9-time All-Defensive center who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008. He led the league in blocks three times and rebounds twice in his legendary career.

11. Elvin Hayes – 27,313 points

Elvin Hayes scored 27,313 points during his 16-year career in the NBA between 1968 and 1984. He spent 9 seasons with the Washington/Capital/Baltimore Bullets and 7 seasons with the Houston Rockets – averaging 21.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 38.4 minutes per game (1,303 games played.) 

Hayes was a 12-time All-Star, 1978 NBA Champion, 6-time All-NBA, and 2-time All-Defensive player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990. He led the league in rebounding twice and was the 1968-69 scoring champ during his rookie year (28.4 points per game). He also averaged 28.7 points in 1970-71.

10. Moses Malone – 27,409 points

Moses Malone scored 27,409 points during his 19-year career in the NBA between 1976 and 1995. He played for the Braves, Rockets, 76ers, Bullets, Hawks, Bucks, and Spurs during that time. He averaged 20.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 33.9 minutes per game (1,329 games played).

Malone was a 13-time All-Star, 1983 NBA Champion, 1982-83 Finals MVP, 3-time MVP, 8-time All-NBA, and 2-time All-Defensive player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. He averaged at least 20 points per game in 11 consecutive seasons – including 31.1 points per game during the 1981-82 season. 

9. Carmelo Anthony – 28,289 points (and counting)

Carmelo Anthony has scored 28,289 points during his 19-year career in the NBA between 2003 and 2022. He played for the Nuggets, Knicks, Trail Blazers, Thunder, Lakers, and Rockets – averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals in 34.5 minutes per game (1,260 games played). 

Anthony is a 10-time All-Star and 6-time All-NBA forward who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday. He led the league in scoring during the 2012-13 season with 28.7 points per game (67 games). He averaged at least 20 points per game in each of his 14 seasons and has yet to officially retire. 

8. Shaquille O’Neal – 28,596 points

Shaquille O’Neal has scored 28,596 points during his 19-year career in the NBA between 1992 and 2011. He played for the Lakers, Magic, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics – averaging 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks in 34.7 minutes per game (1,207 career games played).

O’Neal was a 15-time All-Star, 1992-93 Rookie of the Year, 1999-00 MVP, 4-time champion, 3-time Finals MVP, 3-time All-Star MVP, 14-time All-NBA, and 3-time All-Defensive center who was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2016. He led the league in scoring twice – in 1994-95 (29.3 points) and 1999-00 (29.7 points). 

7. Wilt Chamberlain – 31,419 points

Wilt Chamberlain scored 31,419 points during his 14-year career in the NBA between 1959 and 1973. He spent 6 seasons with the Warriors, 5 seasons with the Lakers, and 4 seasons with the 76ers. He averaged 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 45.8 minutes per game (1,045 games played).

Chamberlain was a 13-time All-Star, 1959-60 Rookie of the Year, 1959-60 All-Star MVP, 2-time NBA Champion, 1971-72 Finals MVP, 4-time MVP, 10-time All-NBA, and 2-time All-Defensive player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. He led the league in scoring 7 times (6 consecutive) in his career.

6. Dirk Nowitzki – 31,560 points

Dirk Nowitzki scored 31,560 points during his 21-year career in the NBA between 1998 and 2019. He spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks after being drafted No. 9 overall in the 1998 draft. He averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game (1,522 games). 

Nowitzki was a 14-time All-Star, 2006-07 MVP, 2011 NBA Champion, 2010-11 Finals MVP, and 12-time All-NBA power forward who will likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023. He averaged at least 20 points per game on 13 occasions and had a career-high 26.6 points per game in the 2005-06 season. 

5. Michael Jordan – 32,292 points

Michael Jordan scored 32,292 points during his 15-year career in the NBA between 1984 and 2003. He spent 13 seasons with the Chicago Bulls before finishing his career with the Washington Wizards. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.3 steals in 38.3 minutes per game (1,072 games). 

Jordan was a 14-time All-Star, 1984-85 Rookie of the Year, 1987-88 Defensive Player of the Year, 6-time NBA Champion, 6-time Finals MVP, 5-time MVP, 3-time All-Star MVP, 10-time scoring champion, 11-time All-NBA, and 9-time All-Defensive player who was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. 

4. Kobe Bryant – 33,643 points

Kobe Bryant scored 33,643 points during his 20-year career in the NBA between 1996 and 2016. He spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers after being drafted No. 13 overall in 1996. He averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 36.1 minutes per game (1,346 games). 

Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, 5-time NBA Champion, 2-time Finals MVP, 2007-08 MVP, 4-time All-Star MVP, 2-time scoring champion, 15-time All-NBA, and 12-time All-Defensive shooting guard who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. He averaged a career-high 35.4 points per game in 2005-06. 

3. Karl Malone – 36,928 points

Karl Malone scored 36,298 points during his 19-year career in the NBA between 1985 and 2004. He spent 18 years with the Utah Jazz before finishing his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 25.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 37.2 minutes per game (1,476 games). 

Malone was a 14-time All-Star, 2-time MVP, 2-time All-Star MVP, 4-time All-Defensive, and 14-time All-NBA power forward who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. He averaged at least 20 points per game in 17 consecutive seasons – including a career-high 31.0 points per game in 1989-90. 

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 38,387 points

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 38,387 points during his 20-year career in the NBA between 1969 and 1989. He spent 14 seasons with the Lakers and another 6 seasons with the Bucks. He averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.6 blocks in 36.8 minutes per game (1,560 games). 

Abdul-Jabbar was a 19-time All-Star, 1969-70 Rookie of the Year, 6-time NBA Champion, 2-time Finals MVP, 6-time MVP, 11-time All-Defensive, and 15-time All-NBA center who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995. He led the league in scoring twice – in 1970-71 (31.7 points) and 1971-72 (34.8 points). 

1. LeBron James – 38,450 points (and counting)

LeBron James has scored 38,450 points during his 20-year career in the NBA since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2003. He has played for the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers during his career – averaging 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 38.1 minutes per game (1.413 games). 

James is a 19-time All-Star, 2003-04 Rookie of the Year, 4-time NBA Champion, 4-time Finals MVP, 4-time MVP, 3-time All-Star MVP, 6-time All-Defensive Player, and 18-time All-NBA player who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday. He led the league in scoring in 2007-08 (30.0 points per game). 

The NBA’s All-Time Points Leaderboard Will Be Changing Soon

Most of the top-20 players currently on the NBA’s all-time points leaderboard are retired, but LeBron James will continue to add to his No. 1 total and Kevin Durant will continue to climb in the coming years. Carmelo Anthony will also have an opportunity to climb this list if he decides to make a return to the NBA.

With that said, there are several other active players who might make their way onto the top-20. As of March 9, James Harden (No. 25) is 1,200 points away from entering the top-20 and Russell Westbrook (No. 28) is 1,505 points away from the top-20. Besides them, everyone else is still several years away. 

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Chris Paul (No. 38), DeMar DeRozan (No. 39), and Stephen Curry (No. 40) are all around 4,000 points away from the top-20, while Damian Lillard (No. 60) is about 6,500 points away. Only one other active player – Rudy Gay (No. 87) – is in the top-100, so don’t expect the top-20 to change too much in the near future!

LeBron James Passes Magic Johnson for 6th All-Time in Assists; Can You Name the 20 NBA Players With the Most Career Assists?

When LeBron James dished his 10,000th assist last season, he knew it was only a matter of time before passing Magic Johnson for the sixth most career assists in NBA history. That time finally came vs. the Milwaukee Bucks on December 2nd, officially passing Magic with less than nine minutes left in the game.

Entering the game, LeBron had 10,133 assists in his career and Magic was sitting at 10,141. James tied that mark at the start of the fourth quarter with his eighth assist of the night. A little more than two minutes later, James dished the ball to Anthony Davis, who hit a 25-foot three-point shot for a four-point lead. 

James finished the game with 28 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals in just over 37 minutes of play. James has added another 30 assists in the five games since that historic day as he inches his way closer to Mark Jackson (fourth most career assists) and Steve Nash (third most career assists). 

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Which NBA Players Have the Most Career Assists?

LeBron James Passes Magic Johnson for 6th All-Time in Assists; Can You Name the 20 NBA Players With the Most Career Assists?
via Instagram (@cp3)

LeBron James is one of the greatest and most versatile basketball players in NBA history. He’s a prolific scorer, but also a bonafide playmaker that can dribble the ball, dish an assist, grab a rebound, and defend any position on the floor. He has the accolades and records to prove it, leaving very little up for debate. 

As of December 13th, James has the second-most points all-time, 37th-most career rebounds, sixth most career assists all-time, 10th-most steals all-time, and 91st-most blocks all-time. To be in the top-100 in all five primary stat categories is pretty remarkable, but to be top-ten in three of them is simply unheard of. 

In honor of James passing Magic Johnson for the sixth most career assists in NBA history, we’re going to take a look at the current top-20 in regards to all-time assists. No one will be catching No. 1 anytime soon, but the top-five could change in the coming years if LeBron and his current teammate keep playing well.

20. Bob Cousy – 6,955 assists

Bob Cousy dished 6,955 assists over his 14-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA – which he spent with the Boston Celtics and Cincinnati Royals. He led the league in total assists eight years in a row between 1952 and 1960 – including a career-high 715 assists (9.5 assists per game) during the 1959-60 season. 

Cousy retired for the first time after the 1962-63 season, making a brief return in 1969-70 before retiring for good. He averaged 18.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 924 career games played – 917 of which were with the Celtics. He was a 13-time All-Star, six-time champion, and won the MVP in 1956-57.

19. Tony Parker – 7,036 assists

Tony Parker had 7,036 assists over his 18-year career in the NBA – which he spent with the San Antonio Spurs (17 years) and Charlotte Hornets (1 year). He never led the league in total assists, but consistently put up more than 5.0 assists per game and averaged a career-high 7.7 assists per game in 2011-12.

Parker retired after the 2018-19 season – it was the only time he finished a season with 0 starts. He averaged 15.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.8 steals in 1,254 career games played – 1,198 of which were with the Spurs. He was a six-time All-Star, four-time champion, and 2006-07 NBA Finals MVP.

18. Tim Hardaway – 7,095 assists

Tim Hardaway dished 7,095 assists over his 13-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA – which he mostly spent with the Golden State Warriors (6 seasons) and Miami Heat (6 seasons). He never led the league in assists, but he did average double-digit assists in two consecutive seasons – including 10.6 in 1992-93.

Hardaway retired after the 2002-03 season – he played in just 10 games that season, none of which were starts. He averaged 17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.6 steals in 867 career games played. He was a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA point guard, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

17. Terry Porter – 7,160 assists

Terry Porter dished 7,160 assists over his 17-year career in the NBA – which he spent with the Trail Blazers (10 years), Timberwolves (3 seasons), Spurs (3 seasons), and Heat (1 season). He put up a career-high 10.1 assists per game in 1987-88 and had at least 8.0 assists per game four other times.

Porter retired after the 2001-02 season after seeing his numbers reach all-time lows off the bench – including a career-low 5.5 points per game. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 1,274 games – 758 of which were with the Trail Blazers. He was named an All-Star twice. 

16. Lenny Wilkens – 7,211 assists

Lenny Wilkens dished 7,211 assists over his 15-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA. He led the league in assists per game and total assists in 1969-70 – also leading the league in total assists in 1971-72. He never averaged a double-double, but had at least 9.0 assists per game in three consecutive seasons.

Wilkens retired after the 1874-75 season after putting up a career-low 6.5 points per game. He averaged 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 1,077 career games played – 555 of which were with the St. Louis Hawks. He also had at least 20.0 points per game three times – 1967-68, 1968-69, and 1972-73.

15. Maurice Cheeks – 7,392 assists

Maurice Cheeks dished 7,392 assists over his 15-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA – which was primarily spent with the Philadelphia 76ers (11 seasons) and New York Knicks (2 seasons). He never averaged a double-double, but he had a career-high 9.2 assists per game during the 1985-86 season.

Cheeks retired after the 1992-93 season after putting up career-low numbers – he hadn’t started a game in two years. He averaged 11.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 2.1 steals in 1,101 career games played – 853 of which were with the 76ers. He was a four-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive player.

14. Rajon Rondo – 7,584 assists (and counting)

Rajon Rondo currently has 7,584 assists since entering the league in 2006 – he spent the first nine years of his career with the Boston Celtics before jumping around the NBA. He led the NBA in assists per game on three occasions and total assists once. His career-high was 11.7 assists per game (he did it twice).

Rondo last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but is currently listed as a free agent and is likely nearing retirement. He has averaged 9.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.6 steals in 957 games played over the past 16 years. He’s a two-time NBA champion and four-time All-Defensive point guard. 

13. Rod Strickland – 7,987 assists

Rod Strickland dished 7,987 assists over his 17-year career in the NBA – most of which was spent with the Trail Blazers (5 years), Bullets/Wizards (5 years), Spurs (3 years), and Knicks (2 years). He led the league in assists per game (10.5) and total assists (801) in 1997-98, both of which were career-highs. 

Strickland retired after the 2004-05 season after bouncing around the league for five years. He averaged 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 1,094 career games played. He was named to the All-Rookie squad in 1988-89 and was an All-NBA point guard during his coveted 1997-98 campaign. 

12. Andre Miller – 8,524 assists 

Andre Miller dished 8,524 assists over his 17-year career in the NBA – which he spent with nine different teams, including five in his final three seasons. He was a prolific playmaker earlier in his career, leading the league in assists per game (10.9) and total assists (882) during the 2001-02 season with the Cavs. 

Miller retired after the 2015-16 season after playing just 39 games split between the Timberwolves and Spurs. He averaged 12.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 1,304 career games played – 447 of which were with the Denver Nuggets. He was named to the All-Rookie team after his first season.

11. Russell Westbrook – 8,805 assists (and counting)

Russell Westbrook has dished 8,805 assists since entering the league as the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2008 – he spent the first 11 years of his career with the Thunder before jumping around the league. He has led the NBA in assists per game and total assists three times – 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2020-21.

Westbrook is currently playing in his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1,048 career games played, he is averaging 22.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 34.5 minutes per game. He’s a nine-time All-Star, two-time scoring champ, nine-time All-NBA point guard, and 2016-17 MVP. 

10. Gary Payton – 8,966 assists

Gary Payton dished 8,966 assists over his 17-year Hall of Fame career – which was mostly spent with the Seattle Supersonics (13 seasons) and Miami Heat (2 seasons). He never led the league in assists per game, but he did lead the league in total assists (732) in 1999-00 – he was also the leader in 3PM. 

Payton retired after the 2006-07 season – just one year removed from winning the NBA Championship with the Heat in 2006. He averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.8 steals in 1,335 career games played. He was a nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-Defensive, and nine-time All-NBA point guard.

9. Isiah Thomas – 9,061 assists

Isiah Thomas dished 9,061 assists over his 13-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA – he spent his entire career with the Detroit Pistons. Thomas averaged at least 10.0 assists per game in four consecutive seasons between 1983 and 1987, leading the league with 13.9 assists per game in the 1984-85 season.

Thomas retired after the 1993-94 season after playing in 979 career games with the Pistons – 971 of which were starts. He finished his career with 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.9 steals in 36.3 minutes per game. He was a 12-time All-Star, two-time champion, and five-time All-NBA point guard.

8. Oscar Robertson – 9,887 assists

Oscar Robertson dished 9,887 assists over his 14-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA, which he spent with the Cincinnati Royals (10 seasons) and Milwaukee Bucks (4 seasons). He led the league in assists per game on seven occasions and total assists on six occasions – separating himself from opponents. 

Robertson retired after the 1973-74 season after seeing his numbers dip for the fourth consecutive year. He finished his career with 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in 42.2 minutes per game – he played in 1040 career games. He was a 12-time All-Star, one-time champion, and one-time MVP. 

7. Magic Johnson – 10,141 assists 

Magic Johnson dished 10,141 assists over his 13-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA – all of which was spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. He led the league in the assists per game on four occasions and total assists on three occasions – including a career-high 13.1 assists per game in his 1983-84 campaign.

Johnson retired after the 1990-91 season due to his diagnosis with HIV and made a brief return in 1995 before retiring for good. He averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists, and 1.9 steals in 906 games played. He was a 12-time All-Star, five-time champion, three-time MVP, and three-time Finals MVP.

6. LeBron James – 10,178 assists (and counting)

LeBron James has dished 10,178 assists since entering the league as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2003 – he has played for the Cavaliers (11 seasons), Lakers (5 seasons), and Heat (4 seasons). He led the league in assists per game (10.2) and total assists (684) during the 2019-20 season with the Lakers. 

James is currently playing in his 20th season in the NBA and fifth season with the Lakers. So far in his career, he is putting up 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.8 blocks through 1,387 games played. He’s an 18-time All-Star, four-time champion, four-time MVP, and four-time Finals MVP. 

5. Mark Jackson – 10,334 assists

Mark Jackson dished 10,334 assists over his 17-year career in the NBA – most of which was spent with the Knicks (7 seasons), Pacers (6 seasons), and Clippers (2 seasons). He led the league in assists per game (11.4) and total assists (935) during the 1996-97 season – he was traded midway through the year.

Jackson retired after the 2003-04 season after only having three starts in the previous two seasons. He finished his career with 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 1,296 games played. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1987-88 and was named an All-Star during the 1988-89 season. 

4. Steve Nash – 10,335 assists

Steve Nash dished 10,335 assists over his 18-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA – which he spent with the Suns (10 seasons), Mavericks (6 seasons), and Lakers (2 seasons). He led the league in assists per game five times and total assists six times – including seven seasons of at least 10.0 assists per game.

Nash retired after the 2013-14 season after only playing 15 games in his second year with the Lakers. He finished his career with 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 0.7 steals in 1,217 games played. He was an eight-time All-Star, two-time MVP, and seven-time All-NBA point guard – one of the all-time best.

3. Chris Paul – 11,113 assists (and counting)

Chris Paul has dished 11,113 assists since entering the league as the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2005 – he has played for the Hornets, Clippers, Suns, Rockets, and Thunder. He has led the league in assists five times – including last year – and total assists three times. He’s one of the game’s best playmakers.

Paul is currently playing in his 18th season in the league and third season with the Phoenix Suns. Through 1,170 games played, Paul is averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 2.1 steals in 34.5 minutes per game. He’s a 12-time All-Star, nine-time All-Defensive, and 11-time All-Pro point guard.

2. Jason Kidd – 12,091 assists

Jason Kidd dished 12,091 assists over his 19-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA – most of which was spent with the Nets (7 seasons), Mavericks (8 seasons), and Suns (5 seasons). He led the league in assists per game five times in a six-year span and total assists three times in that same timeframe. 

Kidd retired after the 2012-13 season and is the closest person to ever reach John Stockton’s all-time best 15,806 assists – unfortunately, he was still 3,715 assists short. It goes to show just how incredible Stockton’s milestone is. Kidd averaged 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.9 steals in his career.

1. John Stockton – 15,806 assists 

John Stockton dished 15,806 assists over his 19-year Hall of Fame career – he spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz between 1984 and 2003. He led the league in assists per game and total assists nine consecutive seasons between 1987 and 1996, including a career-high 14.5 assists per game in 1989-90.

Stockton’s all-time assists mark is one of the hardest records to beat in the NBA and one no one will touch for at least another 20 years. He retired after the 2002-03 season with 13.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 10.5 assists, and 2.2 steals in 1,504 career games played. He was a 10-time All-Star, five-time All-Defensive, and 11-time All-NBA point guard.

Other Active Players With the Most Career Assists

As of December 13th, only four active NBA players can be found in the top-20 for most career assists in NBA history – Chris Paul (Suns), LeBron James (Lakers), Russell Westbrook (Lakers), and Rajon Rondo (free agent). Outside of those four, 10 other NBA players currently find themselves in the top-75. 

Those 10 players include Kyle Lowry (No. 25), James Harden (No. 27), John Wall (No. 45), Stephen Curry (No. 50), Mike Conley (No. 51), Jrue Holiday (No. 52), Andre Iguodala (No. 67), Ricky Rubio (No. 69), and Damian Lillard (No. 75). All of these players will continue to climb the all-time leaderboard. 

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With that said, none of them will make a push for John Stockton and his all-time record 15,806 assists. It’s an outrageous number that not even Jason Kidd or Chris Paul came close to. As for LeBron James, he will likely end his career with the fourth most career assists – behind Paul, Kidd and Stockton.

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