NBA Assist Leaders: LeBron James could retire as 3rd on NBA all time assists leaderboard

With 9346 assists to his name in the regular season, LeBron James is already 8th on the all-time assists leaderboard. He could finish at 3rd position by the end of his career.

As one of the most complete offensive players of all time, LeBron James has averaged over 7 assists per game through his regular season career. He has been one of the league’s best passers for several years now.

James led the NBA with 10.2 assists per game this season – a career-high figure for him as well.

How can LeBron James finish 3rd on all-time assists leaderboard?

Steve Nash is currently 3rd all time on the assists leaderboard. Nash has 10335 assists to his name, 1 more than former Warriors coach and Pacers guard Mark Jackson.

If LeBron averages 7 assists per game and plays a total of 142 games over the next 2 seasons, he will overtake the duo for 3rd place.

1	John Stockton	15,806
2	Jason Kidd	12,091
3	Steve Nash	10,335
4	Mark Jackson	10,334
5	Magic Johnson	10,141
6	Oscar Robertson	9,887
7	Chris Paul	9,653
8	LeBron James	9,346
9	Isiah Thomas	9,061
10	Gary Payton	8,966
11	Andre Miller	8,524
12	Rod Strickland	7,987
13	Maurice Cheeks	7,392
14	Russell Westbrook	7,298
15	Rajon Rondo	7,215

Also Read: Why is LeBron James wearing a ‘BBZ’ outfit for tonight’s game 2 vs Rockets; complete historic explanation

Five of the top 7 retired all-time assists leaders have been hired as NBA coaches without previous coaching experience.

1. John Stockton
2. Jason Kidd*
3. Steve Nash*
4. Mark Jackson*
5. Magic Johnson*
6. Oscar Robertson
7. Isiah Thomas*

(h/t @NBAReddit) pic.twitter.com/9coTZqG43l

— StatMuse (@statmuse) September 4, 2020

LeBron has always been vehemently a pass-first player. Averaging over 9 assists per game is a strong possibility for him through the next couple of seasons.

James has shown no signs of slowing down despite playing in his 17th season currently. At 35, he has the chance to play at least 2 more seasons at an elite level.

There have been many players in NBA history with elite passing skills. Few, except John Stockton and Jason Kidd, have had the longevity to do it for over 15 seasons at a high level. None of them have also been scoring threats like LeBron.