The NBA's top 20 all-time leading point scorers
James' scoring title adds layer to GOAT debate
Michael Jordan gave a rare statement after LeBron James notched a record even he could not reach.
James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league's all-time leading point scorer, and Jordan lauded the achievement.
"Congratulations to LeBron on this incredible achievement," Jordan said as James broke Abdul-Jabbar's record.
"It's a testament to his hard work, longevity, and his great skill."
The all-time scoring title adds another layer to the never-ending GOAT debate between Jordan and James.
After passing Abdul-Jabbar's record, James said he'd pick himself.
"I am going to take myself against anybody that has played this game but everyone is going to have their favourite," he said.
"I know what I bring to the table every single night and what I can do on the floor."
CLICK THROUGH TO SEE THE TOP 20 SCORERS IN NBA HISTORY
20. Vince Carter - 25,728
Considered by many to be one of the most talented players of his generation, Vince Carter was a walking highlight reel in his prime.
Famously won what is considered to be the greatest NBA All-Star dunk contest in NBA history.
Played for eight different teams between 1998 and 2020 after being picked No.5 in the 1998 draft.
19. Kevin Garnett - 26,071
Considered to be one of the greatest defensive big men to ever grace an NBA floor, Kevin Garnett could also fill it up on the other end.
Few players played with the ferocity that Garnett did during his stellar career between 1995 and 2016 when he represented the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.
Garnett was the first player to be drafted directly out of high school since 1975 and retired with a title, an MVP award and 15 All-Star appearances.
18. John Havlicek - 26,395
John Havlicek was an eight-time NBA champion and 13-time All-Star during a stellar career with the Boston Celtics.
Havlicek was a two-way superstar, having been named to eight All-Defensive teams in his 16-year career.
He died in 2019 at the age of 79 and has his No.17 jersey retired by the Celtics.
17. Paul Pierce - 26,397
Paul Pierce went down in Boston Celtics folklore when he helped deliver the team its first title in 32 years in 2008.
After being drafted No.10 in 1998, Pierce played the first 15 years of his career with the Celtics before stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers.
He was named the Finals MVP in 2008 and notched 10 All-Star appearances before his retirement in 2017.
16. Tim Duncan - 26,496
Tim Duncan ushered in an era of relentless winning when he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs with the first pick in the 1997 draft.
Duncan spent the entirety of his career with the Spurs, winning five championships before his retirement in 2016.
He never missed the playoffs during a stellar career which saw him make 15 All-Star appearances and 15 All-Defensive team nods.
15. Dominique Wilkins - 26,668
Dominique Wilkins earned the nickname "the Human Highlight Film" for his acrobatics across a 17-year NBA career.
Wilkins played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Hawks before stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic.
A two-time dunk contest champion, Wilkins is most famous for an epic dunk contest with Michael Jordan in 1988 which was controversially awarded to Jordan in Chicago.
14. Kevin Durant - 26,684+
Kevin Durant is widely considered to be one of the greatest pure scorers to ever set foot on an NBA floor.
Durant might've well ended up No.1 on this list if not for a series of foot, knee and Achilles injuries which cost him multiple seasons.
He is a two-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, 13-time All-Star and four-time scoring champion.
13. Oscar Robertson - 26,710
Oscar Robertson was a triple-double threat who could fill it up on any given night during his 14-year career.
Spent the first 10 years of his career with the Cincinatti Royals before joining the Milwaukee Bucks where he won the 1971 title alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Robertson averaged a triple-double in his first two seasons with the Royals and narrowly missed it on three other occasions.
12. Hakeem Olajuwon - 26,946
You know you're an all-timer when you were drafted before Michael Jordan and no one calls it a bad pick.
Hakeem Olajuwon was taken No.1 overall in the 1984 draft in which Jordan went third to the Bulls, and was well worth the selection.
Was named the Finals MVP in 1994 and 1995 when he delivered the Houston Rockets their only two NBA titles. Was also named the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 1994.
