Most Field Goals in NBA History
In the current NBA, being a scoring legend isn’t solely about the total points, the basic field goal remains the true cornerstone of scoring. Field goals made showcase a player’s consistency and dominance on the court. The all-time NBA record for the most field goals is held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who made 15,837 shots during his career from 1969 to 1989. This record reflects not only skill but also incredible consistency and longevity. LeBron James is right behind him, continuously adding to his total with every game, making the race for the top spot in NBA history.
Image Source: latimes.com(Photo Credit: Lennox McLendon / Associated Press)
Top 5 Most Field Goals in NBA History
Here are the top 5 players with the most field goals in NBA history, highlighting how consistent scoring can shape the outcome of a game.
| Rank | Player | Field Goals |
| 1 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 15,837 |
| 2 | LeBron James | 15,400 |
| 3 | Karl Malone | 13,528 |
| 4 | Wilt Chamberlain | 12,681 |
| 5 | Michael Jordan | 12,192 |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (15,837 Field Goals)
Career: 1969-1989
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record for the most field goals made in NBA history with a total of 15,837. He was a dominant force for 20 seasons, playing for both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. His iconic skyhook shot is legendary in basketball, allowing him to average 24.6 points per game across an impressive 1,560 games. Kareem’s remarkable consistency and efficiency led him to win 6 MVP awards, which is the highest number ever along with 6 NBA championships.
LeBron James (15,400 Field Goals)
Career: 2003-present
Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James is currently the only active player among the top five in the NBA’s all-time field goals list, with 15,488 made shots. Since he joined the league in 2003, LeBron has established his scoring legacy through his powerful plays at the rim and clutch jump shots. LeBron James has averaged about 9.9 field goals made per game across his career. He has already surpassed Kareem for the all-time points record, but his pursuit of the field goal record highlights his remarkable consistency and durability.
Karl Malone (13,528 Field Goals)
Career: 1985-2004
Teams: Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers
Karl Malone ranks third on the NBA’s all-time list for field goals, having made 13,528 shots. He played for 19 seasons, primarily with the Utah Jazz, and averaged 25 points per game while being selected for 14 All-Star teams. Rather than depending on three-pointers, Malone relied on his strength in the paint and a dependable mid-range jumper. He also scored countless times through the iconic pick-and-roll plays with John Stockton.
Wilt Chamberlain (12,681 Field Goals)
Career: 1959-1973
Teams: Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers
Wilt Chamberlain has 12,681 career field goals, all achieved in only 14 seasons. He is recognized as the most dominant big man in history, averaging 30 points and 23 rebounds per game throughout his career. Wilt topped the league in scoring 7 times and in field goal percentage 9 times, demonstrating both high volume and efficiency. His legendary 100-point game in 1962 featured a record 36 field goals, a feat that is likely to remain unbroken.
Michael Jordan (12,192 Field Goals)
Career: 1984-2003
Teams: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards
Michael Jordan is considered the greatest NBA player with 12,192 field goals. He had an average of 30.1 points per game, the highest in league history. He also secured 10 scoring titles thanks to his athletic drives, lethal mid-range jumper, and exceptional finishing at the rim. Despite taking an 18‑month break from basketball, he still excelled for 15 seasons. He shot almost 50% from the field while being the primary target for opposing defenses. His scoring ability was a key factor in the success of the Bulls dynasty in the 1990s.
