It’s an unavoidable part of basketball, and even great players lose the ball from time to time. Some players accumulate more turnovers simply by passing the ball more often due to their increased leadership role. Let’s examine the greatest players who have evolved the most in NBA history.
LeBron James – 5,211 Turnovers
LeBron James holds the all-time record for the most career turnovers in the NBA, with an impressive 5,211 turnovers in the regular season. His status as a primary scorer for most of his career has contributed to these numbers. As one of the most versatile players, James is often involved in his team’s offensive play, and his rotation is partly a reflection of his long and successful career.
- Games Played: 1,492
- Minutes per Game: 37.9
- Points per Game: 27.1
- Rebounds per Game: 7.5
- Assists per Game: 7.4
Despite his high turnover rate, James is one of the most successful players in NBA history, contributing his scoring, passing and leadership to his teams.
Russell Westbrook – 4,587 Turnovers
Known for his high-energy play and aggressive style, Russell Westbrook ranks second with 4,587 turnovers. His quick run often leads to dangerous plays, which can lead to turnovers, but it has also made him a triple-double.
- Games Played: 1,162
- Minutes per Game: 33.6
- Points per Game: 21.7
- Rebounds per Game: 7.1
- Assists per Game: 8.1
Karl Malone – 4,524 Turnovers
Karl Malone, a power forward known for his scoring ability, is third on the list with 4,524 turnovers. His long career and prominent role in the Utah Jazz offense meant he often handled the ball in key moments, leading to plenty of turnovers in time.
- Games Played: 1,476
- Points per Game: 25.0
- Rebounds per Game: 10.1
- Assists per Game: 3.6
Other Notable Players with High Turnover Counts
- John Stockton: Known as one of the best point guards in NBA history, Stockton ranks fourth with 4,244 turnovers. Despite this, Stockton holds the record for most steals in NBA history, showing how being a high-level playmaker can make a difference.
- Kobe Bryant: The late Kobe Bryant compiled 4,010 turnovers in his career. Like many great players, Bryant’s consistent ball handling and shooting led to his high turnover rate, but his overall impact on the game was more positive.
- Jason Kidd: A point guard known for his passing and leadership, Kidd committed 4,003 turnovers. As one of the best, his biggest change was the result of his role as director.
Turnovers in the Playoffs
LeBron James also holds the record for the most turnovers in playoff history, with 1,034 in the playoffs. Playoff basketball is much tougher, and stars like LeBron who are heavily involved in their team’s offense naturally rack up more money.
Key Stats: Players with the Most Turnovers in NBA History
Rank | Player | Turnovers | Games Played | Assists | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | LeBron James | 5,211 | 1,492 | 7.4 APG | 27.1 PPG |
2 | Russell Westbrook | 4,587 | 1,162 | 8.1 APG | 21.7 PPG |
3 | Karl Malone | 4,524 | 1,476 | 3.6 APG | 25.0 PPG |
4 | John Stockton | 4,244 | 1,504 | 10.5 APG | 13.1 PPG |
5 | Kobe Bryant | 4,010 | 1,346 | 4.7 APG | 25.0 PPG |
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.
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