Most Turnovers in NBA History

Turnovers in basketball can be really annoying since they waste possessions but they’re also just a normal part of the game. Back in the 1970s, turnovers happened even more often because the game was quicker and less focused on being efficient. Nowadays, the NBA puts a higher value on shooting and ball protection but the balance between taking risks and getting rewards is still the same. The player with the most turnovers in NBA history is LeBron James with 5,472 career turnovers, followed by Russell Westbrook. When you’re the main scorer or playmaker, mistakes are bound to happen because you’re creating so much offense.

Top 5 Most Turnovers in NBA History

Here are the top 5 players with the most turnovers in NBA history, highlighting how ball control and playmaking shape the flow of a game.

LeBron James (5,472 Career Turnovers)

Career: 2003 – present
Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James holds the record for the most turnovers in NBA history but that’s mainly due to his lengthy career and the amount of time he has the ball in his hands. He has accumulated 5,472 turnovers during the regular season and 1,047 in the playoffs, both of which are all-time highs. Throughout his 23 seasons with the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers, LeBron has taken on the role of the primary playmaker, often directing the offense like a point guard. His aggressive drives and challenging passes create exciting moments but can also result in errors, including games where he has had 11 turnovers.

Russell Westbrook (4,874 Career Turnovers)

Career: 2008 – present
Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook ranks second all-time in turnovers with around 4,869 but that’s just part of his intense playing style. Known as a triple-double machine, Westbrook has consistently had the ball in his hands, attacking the basket and making bold passes. He averages 4.1 turnovers per game throughout his career, which is one of the highest averages for a guard. These mistakes are part of the game his fast-paced, aggressive style leads to turnovers, but it’s also what makes him one of the most relentless and exciting players in NBA history.

Karl Malone (4,524 Career Turnovers)

Career: 1985 – 2004
Teams: Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers

Karl Malone recorded 4,524 turnovers but this figure highlights how crucial he was to the Utah Jazz’s offense for almost 20 years. His frequent ball handling in tight situations and his battles in the post resulted in errors. They also contributed to one of the most effective offenses in history. His ability to stay healthy and his dominant ball-handling role explain why a power forward ranks so high on the turnovers list. This showcases the significant responsibility he had for the Jazz.

James Harden (4,310 Career Turnovers)

Career: 2009 – present
Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden has committed around 4,303 turnovers but that’s simply the price of being the centerpiece in every offense he’s led. His style centers on isolation plays, step-back threes and elite passing, keeping the ball in his hands throughout the game. Harden led the league in turnovers multiple times, peaking at 5.7 in his 2016-17 MVP season. His high turnover rate reflects his incredible playmaking ability and highlights the heavy load he’s carried for the Rockets, Nets, Sixers, and now the Clippers.

John Stockton (4,244 Career Turnovers)

Career: 1984 – 2003
Teams: Utah Jazz

John Stockton directed the Utah Jazz offense for nearly 20 years, recording 4,244 turnovers along the way. Despite being the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals, being the primary ball-handler in over 1,500 games meant that mistakes were bound to happen. Stockton’s involvement in the well-known pick-and-roll with Karl Malone required him to constantly pass and make decisions under pressure. This naturally resulted in turnovers. It reflects the cost of being the floor leader for one of the most reliable offenses in NBA history.