The all-time turnover leaderboard in NBA history showcases an intriguing aspect of the sport, highlighting that even the best players, like LeBron James, Karl Malone, and John Stockton, are not immune to high career turnovers.
These prominent figures, along with Kobe Bryant and Moses Malone, top this unique list.
Interestingly, Jason Kidd, Michael Jordan, and Russell Westbrook celebrated for their skills, and also rank high in turnovers.
James Harden‘s record is particularly notable, setting a new benchmark with 464 turnovers in the 2018-19 NBA season, the most in a single season.
This statistic opens up discussions about the factors leading to high turnovers and their impact on a player’s legacy and team performance.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James, with a staggering 5,047 career turnovers, leads in this aspect of NBA history.
However, these turnovers reflect his active role in gameplay, including his decision-making and court vision.
High turnovers, as seen with many NBA greats, don’t diminish a player’s star status.
LeBron’s involvement in his team’s offense naturally increases the turnover likelihood, yet this shouldn’t overshadow his significant impact on basketball.
2. Karl Malone
Karl Malone, ranking second in NBA history for turnovers with 4,524 of them, is a 14-time All-Star and two-time MVP with a notable turnover rate.
His career, marked by versatility and athleticism, extends beyond basketball, including college football scholarship offers from LSU and Stanford.
Despite high turnovers, Malone is celebrated as one of the greatest power forwards, demonstrating that turnovers don’t solely define a player’s legacy in the NBA.
3. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook, with 4,495 career turnovers, is a nine-time NBA All-Star and 2017 MVP known for his intense and versatile play.
Despite high turnovers, his status as a two-time scoring champion, three-time assists leader, and all-time leader in triple-doubles cements his impactful legacy in the NBA as he still is an active player.
4. John Stockton
John Stockton, renowned for the most assists in NBA history, also had notable turnovers due to his ambitious playmaking.
Despite this, his record-breaking 15,806 assists and 3,265 steals overshadow these turnovers.
Stockton’s ability to control the game and create plays often led to turnovers, but his skills and determination solidified his status as one of the NBA’s greatest point guards.
5. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, with 4,010 turnovers, is renowned for his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, marked by five NBA championships and two Finals MVPs.
An 18-time NBA All-Star and 2008 MVP, Bryant’s turnovers are overshadowed by his scoring prowess and competitive legacy, solidifying him as one of the NBA’s greatest players.
6. Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd, with 4,003 career turnovers, is celebrated as one of the NBA’s greatest point guards.
A 10-time NBA All-Star and 2011 NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks, Kidd’s turnovers are a small aspect of his legacy.
He ranks second in all-time assists and steals, highlighting his playmaking and defensive skills.
Despite the turnovers, Kidd’s impact on the game, marked by leadership and triple-double capabilities, cements his significant place in NBA history.
Who has the most career turnovers in NBA history?
LeBron James, besides being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is number 1 in turnovers all time, holding the NBA career record of 5,047 while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Who averages the most turnovers in the NBA?
Russell Westbrook is leading the league with 4.0 turnovers per game, making him the NBA player averaging the most turnovers.
What is the record for most turnovers in a single NBA game by a player?
Mike Bantom holds the NBA record for most turnovers in a single game with 16, followed by Jason Kidd’s 14.
What is the record for turnovers in a single NBA game by a team?
In 1971, the San Francisco Warriors set an NBA record with 45 turnovers in a single game against the Boston Celtics.
