The NBA players with the most career assists in regular season history, from John Stockton's unbreakable record through Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, and LeBron James.
Quick answer: 1. John Stockton*, 2. Chris Paul, 3. Jason Kidd*, 4. LeBron James, 5. Russell Westbrook, 6. Steve Nash*, 7. Mark Jackson*, 8. Magic Johnson*, 9. Oscar Robertson*, 10. Isiah Thomas*.
Assists are one of the most telling statistics in basketball — they measure a player's ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates. The NBA's all-time assists leaders represent the best floor generals, playmakers, and passers the game has ever seen. This list ranks NBA players by total career regular-season assists, current through the end of the 2025–26 NBA season. Players who are still active are marked accordingly.
John Stockton's career total of 15,806 assists is widely considered the most unbreakable record in North American professional sports. He led the NBA in assists for nine consecutive seasons (1988–1996) and averaged 10.5 assists per game over his 19-year career, all with the Utah Jazz.
Chris Paul is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time. He ranks second in career assists and led the NBA in assists per game five times. His career has spanned 20+ seasons, including stops with the Hornets, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Spurs.
Jason Kidd was a triple-double machine and one of the most versatile point guards in NBA history. He led the NBA in assists five times and ranks third all-time. He also ranks third in career steals and is a Hall of Famer.
LeBron James is the only forward in the top 10 of the all-time assists list and the all-time NBA scoring leader. His court vision and passing ability from the small forward position have redefined what is possible for a non-point guard. He is the active career assists leader.
Russell Westbrook is the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double in multiple seasons. He ranks fifth in career assists and is one of the most explosive and versatile point guards to ever play the game.
Steve Nash is a two-time NBA MVP and one of the most efficient shooters and passers in NBA history. He led the league in assists per game three times and is the only player to achieve the 50–40–90 shooting split four times.
Mark Jackson was a skilled point guard who led the NBA in assists per game in his rookie season (1987–88). He ranks seventh all-time in career assists and later became a successful head coach.
Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his 6'9" frame and unparalleled vision. He ranks eighth in career assists and holds the highest assists per game average (11.2) in NBA history.
Oscar Robertson, the 'Big O,' is the only player to average a triple-double over a full season (1961–62). He ranks ninth in career assists and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history.
Isiah Thomas was the leader of the 'Bad Boy' Detroit Pistons, winning two NBA championships. He ranks tenth in career assists and was known for his fearless play and exceptional passing ability.
| # | Name | Team(s) | Seasons | Games played | Assists per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Stockton* | Utah Jazz | 1984–2003 | 1,504 | 10.5 |
| 2 | Chris Paul | NOH, LAC, HOU, OKC, PHX, GSW, SAS | 2005–2026 | 1,370 | 9.2 |
| 3 | Jason Kidd* | DAL, PHX, NJN, NYK | 1994–2013 | 1,391 | 8.7 |
| 4 | LeBron James | CLE, MIA, LAL | 2003–2026 | 1,622 | 7.4 |
| 5 | Russell Westbrook | OKC, HOU, WAS, LAL, LAC | 2008–2026 | 1,200+ | ~8.5 |
| 6 | Steve Nash* | PHX, DAL, LAL | 1996–2014 | 1,217 | 8.5 |
| 7 | Mark Jackson* | NYK, LAC, IND, DEN, TOR, UTA, HOU | 1987–2004 | 1,296 | 8.0 |
| 8 | Magic Johnson* | LAL | 1979–1991, 1996 | 906 | 11.2 |
| 9 | Oscar Robertson* | CIN, MIL | 1960–1974 | 1,040 | 9.5 |
| 10 | Isiah Thomas* | DET | 1981–1994 | 979 | 9.3 |
Players are ranked by total career regular-season assists, using official NBA statistics as recorded by Basketball-Reference.com and the NBA. Statistics are accurate as of the end of the 2025–26 NBA season. Active players' totals reflect their career through that date. Players who are members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame are marked with an asterisk (*).
John Stockton holds the NBA record with 15,806 career assists, a record widely considered unbreakable.
Magic Johnson has the highest career assists per game average at 11.2, followed by John Stockton at 10.5.
Yes, LeBron James ranks fourth all-time in career assists with 12,016, and he is the highest-ranked non-point guard on the list.