All Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders: In basketball, making free throws is super important. It can decide if a team wins or loses. Over the years in the NBA, some players have been really good at shooting free throws, scoring a lot of points from the free-throw line.
All Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders
Let’s talk about the top players who have been great at this crucial skill.
1. Karl Malone
- Team(s): Utah Jazz (1985–2003), Los Angeles Lakers (2003–2004)
- Total Free Throws Made: 9,787
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 13,188
- Free Throw Percentage: .742
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 6.63
Karl Malone holds the top spot in the All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders. He played 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz, forming a notable duo with John Stockton. With numerous awards, including two MVP awards, 14 All-Star appearances, and 11 All-NBA first-team selections, Malone is considered one of the greatest power forwards. His 36,928 career points rank third in NBA history. He also excelled in college at Louisiana Tech, helping his team reach the NCAA tournament.
Malone’s remarkable career includes NBA Finals appearances with the Jazz and Lakers. He won gold medals in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and earned spots in the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. After retiring, he joined the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs’ staff and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. Malone’s free throw stats include 13,188 attempts, 9,787 successful shots, and a 74% free throw percentage.
2. Moses Malone
- Team(s): Buffalo Braves (1976), Houston Rockets (1976–1982), Philadelphia 76ers (1982–1986, 1993–1994), Washington Bullets (1986–1988), Atlanta Hawks (1988–1991), Milwaukee Bucks (1991–1993), San Antonio Spurs (1994–1995)
- Total Free Throws Made: 8,531
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 11,090
- Free Throw Percentage: .769
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 6.42
Moses Malone holds the second spot in the All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders. A dominant center, he won the NBA MVP three times and was a 12-time All-Star. Malone played a key role in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 1983 championship win, earning both league and Finals MVP honors. Known for his rebounding prowess, he led the NBA in rebounding six times.
Starting his career with the Utah Stars, Malone moved to the NBA after the ABA-NBA merger, playing for teams like the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers. He finished with the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs. Malone’s career stats include being tenth in all-time points and fifth in total rebounds. He’s part of the ABA All-Time Team and NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. In his career, Malone attempted 11,090 free throws, making 8,531 of them with a free throw percentage of 76%.
3. Kobe Bryant
- Team(s): Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2016)
- Total Free Throws Made: 8,378
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 10,011
- Free Throw Percentage: .837
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 6.22
Kobe Bryant holds the third spot in All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders. The legendary shooting guard spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships and earning numerous accolades. Bryant, known for his scoring prowess, ranks fourth in all-time scoring.
He faced challenges, including a sexual assault charge in 2003, but continued to excel on the court, leading the Lakers to championships in 2009 and 2010. Bryant, nicknamed the “Black Mamba,” tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2020. In his career, he attempted 10,011 free throws, successfully making 8,378 with an impressive free throw percentage of 83%.
4. LeBron James
- Team(s): Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010, 2014–2018), Miami Heat (2010–2014), Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present)
- Total Free Throws Made: 8,165
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 11,113
- Free Throw Percentage: .735
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 5.67
LeBron James secured the fourth spot in All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders. A basketball legend, he’s won four NBA championships, holds various records, and is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. LeBron, known for his versatility, has been named an All-Star 19 times. Starting with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he controversially moved to the Miami Heat, winning two championships, then returned to the Cavaliers for their historic 2016 championship.
In 2018, LeBron joined the Los Angeles Lakers, winning the 2020 NBA championship. He made history in 2023 by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s leading scorer. Off the court, LeBron is involved in entertainment, owns Liverpool F.C., and is actively engaged in philanthropy through his foundation. In terms of free throws, LeBron attempted 11,113, making 8,165, with a free throw percentage of 73%.
5. Oscar Robertson
- Team(s): Cincinnati Royals (1960–1970), Milwaukee Bucks (1970–1974)
- Total Free Throws Made: 7,694
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 9,185
- Free Throw Percentage: .838
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 7.40
Oscar Robertson holds the fifth spot in All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders. Known as “the Big O,” he played as a point guard for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. Robertson was a 12-time All-Star and made history in 1962 as the first player to average a triple-double for a season.
Despite facing racism during his career, he became a two-time Hall of Famer and played a crucial role in a landmark NBA antitrust suit in 1970. In his free throw performance, Robertson attempted 9,185 throws, successfully making 7,694, with a solid free throw percentage of 83%.
6. James Harden
- Team(s): Oklahoma City Thunder (2009–2012), Houston Rockets (2012–2021), Brooklyn Nets (2021–2022), Philadelphia 76ers (2022–2023), Los Angeles Clippers (2023–present)
- Total Free Throws Made: 7,409
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 8,617
- Free Throw Percentage: .860
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 7.31
James Harden holds the sixth spot in All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders. Recognized as one of the greatest scorers and shooting guards, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Harden started his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder and later achieved significant success with the Houston Rockets, leading the league in scoring and winning the MVP in 2018. After stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, Harden continues to be a force in the NBA. In his free throw performance, he attempted 8,617 throws, successfully making 7,409, with an impressive free throw percentage of 86%.
7. Michael Jordan
- Team(s): Chicago Bulls (1984–1993, 1995–1998), Washington Wizards (2001–2003)
- Total Free Throws Made: 7,327
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 8,772
- Free Throw Percentage: .835
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 6.83
Michael Jordan holds the seventh spot in All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders. Widely considered the greatest basketball player ever, he played fifteen seasons, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Known for popularizing basketball globally, Jordan’s impact transcended the court. His career includes six NBA Finals MVP awards, ten scoring titles, and numerous award.
Off the court, he revolutionized sports marketing with Air Jordan sneakers and starred in Space Jam. As a team owner in the NBA and NASCAR, Jordan made history as the first billionaire player in the NBA. In terms of free throws, he attempted 8,772, making 7,327, with an impressive free throw percentage of 83%.
8. Dirk Nowitzki
- Team(s): Dallas Mavericks (1998–2019)
- Total Free Throws Made: 7,240
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 8,239
- Free Throw Percentage: .879
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 4.76
Dirk Nowitzki secures the eighth spot in All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders. Renowned as one of the greatest power forwards and the best European player in NBA history, Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks. His scoring ability and trademark fadeaway contributed to 15 playoff appearances, including an NBA championship in 2011.
Nowitzki, a 14-time All-Star and NBA MVP in 2007, is the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history. His international achievements include leading Germany to medals in FIBA competitions. Nowitzki’s impact on the Mavericks is evident in various franchise records. In terms of free throws, he attempted 8,239, successfully making 7,240, boasting an impressive free throw percentage of 87%.
9. Jerry West
- Team(s): Los Angeles Lakers (1960–1974)
- Total Free Throws Made: 7,160
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 8,801
- Free Throw Percentage: .814
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 7.68
Jerry West, the ninth in All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders, is known as “the Logo” for inspiring the NBA logo silhouette. Renowned as “Mr. Clutch,” he made impactful plays, including a memorable buzzer-beater in the 1970 NBA Finals. West, a college standout, led West Virginia to the 1959 NCAA championship game.
During his 14-year Lakers career, West earned multiple All-NBA and All-Star selections. He secured an All-Star MVP in 1972 and the only NBA title of his career. West holds the playoff series record for the highest points per game average. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980, he’s among the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history and part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Post-playing, West coached the Lakers and later served as their general manager, contributing to six championships. Managing the Grizzlies, he earned two NBA Executive of the Year Awards. West attempted 8,801 free throws, successfully making 7,160, with a free throw percentage of 81%.
10. Paul Pierce
- Team(s): Boston Celtics (1998–2013), Brooklyn Nets (2013–2014), Washington Wizards (2014–2015), Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2017)
- Total Free Throws Made: 6,918
- Total Free Throws Attempted: 8,578
- Free Throw Percentage: .806
- Free Throws Made Per Game: 5.15
Paul Pierce, the tenth in All-Time NBA Free Throw Scoring Leaders, enjoyed a 19-season career, primarily with the Boston Celtics. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021, he later worked as an analyst on ESPN’s basketball programs.
Pierce, known as “the Truth,” had a stellar college career at Kansas before joining the Celtics in 1998. As captain, he led the team to two NBA Finals, securing a championship in 2008 and earning NBA Finals MVP. Pierce, part of the “Big Three” with Garnett and Allen, received 10 All-Star selections and four All-NBA team nods with the Celtics.
After a trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013, Pierce later played for the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2017. The Celtics signed him in 2017, allowing him to retire with the team. Pierce attempted 8,578 free throws, making 6,918 of them, boasting a free throw percentage of 80%.
