As the curtain rises on the 2025-26 NBA season, the whispers aren`t just about championship contenders or rising stars. This year, the stage is set for an unprecedented parade of statistical milestones, as basketball`s most iconic figures — from ageless kings to triple-double maestros — prepare to carve their names even deeper into the league`s illustrious history. Forget fleeting narratives; this is about enduring legacy, measured in points, assists, and the sheer audacity of athletic longevity.
The King`s Unyielding Reign: LeBron James Continues to Defy Time
It seems even Father Time has a deferral option when it comes to LeBron James. Having already shattered the all-time scoring record, the undisputed King of the court is far from done. Entering his remarkable 23rd season, James will set a new benchmark for career longevity, surpassing Vince Carter. At an age where most players are pondering post-career commentary gigs, James is still actively rewriting the record books.
This season, expect James to achieve another monumental feat: becoming the all-time leader in made field goals, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar`s mark of 15,837. Needing just 350 more field goals, a number he consistently reaches, this record seems all but guaranteed. Furthermore, he is a mere 50 games away from surpassing Robert Parish for the most regular-season games played in NBA history – a testament to his unparalleled durability.
And for those keeping score from beyond the arc, James needs just two more three-pointers on opening night against the Golden State Warriors to pass Reggie Miller for sixth on the all-time 3-point field goal list. Is there anything this man can`t do? Perhaps the only thing more impressive than his scoring is his playmaking; James is also poised to climb the all-time assists list, needing only 508 to pass Jason Kidd for third, a mark he`s hit in each of his last two seasons.
The Elite Scorers: A Relentless Pursuit of Greatness
While LeBron handles the top spot, other scoring titans are making their own charges up the all-time charts. Kevin Durant, fresh off a blockbuster seven-team trade that landed him with the Houston Rockets, remains one of the league`s most efficient and unstoppable offensive forces. The Slim Reaper continues his relentless harvest, needing just 849 points to pass Wilt Chamberlain for seventh on the NBA`s all-time scoring list. Barring significant injury, this milestone is well within his reach, further solidifying his place among basketball`s scoring elite.
Meanwhile, James Harden, now a Los Angeles Clipper, continues his quiet, yet impactful, ascent. The Beard, ever the enigma, often flies under the radar when it comes to all-time lists, but his consistency is undeniable. Needing just 603 points to pass Carmelo Anthony for 10th, and 910 for Shaquille O`Neal for ninth, Harden is set to make significant moves. Given his perennial ability to exceed these scoring thresholds, expect him to add another chapter to his remarkably productive career.
Passing the Torch, and the Ball: The Playmakers` Ascent
Beyond scoring, the art of the assist continues to define some of the game`s most influential players. Russell Westbrook, a man who approaches every possession with the intensity of a runaway freight train, sits eighth on the all-time assists list. He`s on the cusp of becoming only the eighth player in NBA history to dish out 10,000 career assists, needing a mere 75 more. If he secures a consistent role this season, Westbrook also eyes moving past Magic Johnson, Mark Jackson, and Steve Nash into the top five, needing 411 assists – a number he nearly achieved last season.
James Harden also features prominently in the assist category. Currently 13th all-time, he needs 746 assists to surpass Andre Miller, Gary Payton, and Isiah Thomas to crack the top 10. While he`s only hit this mark twice in his career, surpassing Miller for 12th position is a more probable and equally significant achievement for the versatile guard.
From Downtown: The Three-Point Revolution Continues
The NBA`s embrace of the three-point shot means its pioneers and masters are constantly pushing statistical boundaries. Stephen Curry, the undisputed architect of the modern offense, is set to become the first player in NBA history with 5,000 career three-pointers (regular season and playoffs combined). Needing 292 more, it might take a significant portion of the season, but for a player who regularly hits over 300 per season, it`s a matter of when, not if.
Curry`s former running mate, Klay Thompson, now with the Dallas Mavericks, is also set to climb the ranks. With Damian Lillard sidelined for the season, Thompson needs just 108 three-pointers to surpass him for fourth on the all-time list. If he stays healthy, a mark he comfortably hit last season (216), this milestone is highly achievable. Reaching Ray Allen for third (277 3s) would be a stretch, but not entirely out of the question for the original Splash Brother.
Another prolific long-range shooter, Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers, stands 102 three-pointers away from surpassing Kyle Korver for eighth all-time. His ability to hit this mark hinges largely on his health, but when fully active, George has demonstrated the capacity to consistently drain from deep.
The All-Around Virtuosos: Mastering the Triple-Double
In an era obsessed with comprehensive stat lines, the triple-double has become a hallmark of elite versatility. Nikola Jokic, the quintessential anti-superstar, is a man whose game is as unassuming as it is devastatingly effective. Last season, the three-time MVP set an NBA record with a 30-20-20 triple-double, leading the league with 34 overall. This season, the Joker is just 18 triple-doubles away from surpassing Oscar Robertson for second all-time, trailing only Russell Westbrook. It`s not inconceivable that Jokic, at the helm of a championship-contending Nuggets squad, could even reach the mythical 200-triple-double mark.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks` superstar, Luka Doncic, continues his rapid ascent. At just 26, his pace is nothing short of breathtaking. Doncic is 18 triple-doubles away from becoming only the seventh player with 100 career triple-doubles. Furthermore, he is 26 away from surpassing his former Mavericks coach, Jason Kidd, for sixth on the all-time list, solidifying his place as one of the most statistically dominant young players in league history.
Beyond the Court: The Bench Bosses` Legacies
While the players seize the spotlight, two veteran tacticians are also poised to make history from the sidelines. Doc Rivers, embarking on his 26th season as an NBA head coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, is just 14 wins shy of passing George Karl for sixth on the all-time wins list. The Bucks` trajectory this season remains a fascinating question mark after trading Damian Lillard, but if they overachieve, Rivers could realistically push for fifth (Pat Riley, 49 wins away) or even fourth (Jerry Sloan, 60 wins away) all-time. Perhaps the only thing more unpredictable than an NBA game is a coach`s job security, but Rivers has certainly earned his tenure.
And after a strong Finals appearance, Rick Carlisle is within striking distance of joining the top 10 all-time coaching wins club, needing 50 victories to pass Rick Adelman. His Indiana Pacers team, often lauded for their disciplined play, provides a solid platform for him to achieve this milestone.
A Season for the Ages: Witnessing History Unfold
The 2025-26 NBA season isn`t just about the chase for a championship trophy; it`s a living exhibition of basketball history being written in real-time. From LeBron`s continued defiance of age to Jokic`s subtle yet dominant all-around brilliance, and the ceaseless reign of the three-point king, Stephen Curry, fans are set to witness an unprecedented collection of individual milestones. These achievements are not mere statistics; they are testaments to dedication, skill, and enduring passion for the game. Prepare to watch legends solidify their legacies, as the stat sheets tell stories that will resonate for generations to come.
