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The 10 best players over 40 years old in NBA history

One week away from LeBron James entering a new decade, we review the names with significant numbers beyond that age

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in a game against the Denver Nuggets

There aren't many players who have played in the NBA past the age of 40. LeBron James has one week left till this milestone and he remains one of the most impactful players in the world. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is averaging 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists per game so far in the 2024/25 season.

That's why we wanted to gather statistics and see who the best players in NBA history over 40 years old are. One name that comes to mind quickly is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the legendary duo of the Utah Jazz composed of John Stockton and Karl Malone, or Michael Jordan during his time with the Washington Wizards.

The top 10 players over 40 in NBA history:

  1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

    • Averages after 40 years old: 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.2 blocks, 50.9% field goals (156 games).
    • Accomplishments after 40 years old: 2 NBA championships, 2 All-Star selections.
    • Averaged 19.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks during the 1987 playoffs at 40 years old.
  2. Karl Malone

    • Averages after 40 years old: 13.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.5 blocks, 48.3% field goals (42 games).
    • Scored 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a crucial playoff game against the Rockets.
  • Averages after 40 years old: 3.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.2 blocks, 45.7% field goals (153 games).
  • Accomplishments after 40 years old: 1 NBA championship.
  • Played until 44 years old, becoming the second oldest player in NBA history.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 10 mejores jugadores con más de 40 años en la historia de la NBA