5 NBA players with most missed field goals all-time ft. two Lakers legends 

The NBA, as the saying goes, is a make-or-miss league. Given that basketball revolves around shooting, not every shot finds its mark, leading to some infamous records.

On Tuesday night, coinciding with the opening of the 2024-25 season, the league witnessed a new leader for the most career field goals missed. The list features several legends, including two LA Lakers greats.

Here's a closer look at the top five NBA players with the most missed field goals.

5 NBA players with the most missed field goals all-time

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#5. Karl Malone (12,682 FGAs missed)

Karl Malone (Image Source: IMAGN)

Known as "The Mailman," Karl Malone was one of the league's most formidable power forwards, especially during his tenure with the Utah Jazz. Over his 19-year career, he accumulated numerous accolades, including two MVP awards, 14 All-Star selections and a spot as the third-highest scorer in NBA history.

Despite his impressive 51.6% shooting average throughout his career, he still missed a total of 12,682 field goals.

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#4. Elvin Hayes (13,296 FGAs missed)

Elvin Hayes (Image Source: IMAGN)

Elvin Hayes played 1,303 games during his career, averaging 21.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game with a field goal percentage of 45.2%.

He kicked off his professional career in 1968 as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft by the San Diego Rockets. Alongside fellow Hall of Famer Wes Unseld with the Bullets, he formed a dominant frontcourt that led the team to three NBA Finals and a championship victory over Seattle in 1978.

Even with his 13,296 missed field goals, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990 and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

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#3. John Havlicek (13,417 FGAs missed)

John Havlicek (Image Source: IMAGN)

John Havlicek is widely considered the greatest sixth man in history. A 13-time NBA All-Star, he captured eight championships, including the 1974 Finals MVP award. He was named to the All-NBA First Team four times and the All-Defensive First Team five times.

Havlicek spent 16 seasons entirely with the Boston Celtics, playing 1,270 games and missing 13,417 shots along the way. He averaged 20.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 4.8 apg, shooting 43.9% from the field.

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#2. Kobe Bryant (14,481 FGAs missed)

Kobe Bryant (Image Source: IMAGN)

Kobe Bryant is celebrated as one of the most tenacious scorers in history. His legendary resume includes five championships, two Finals MVPs, 12 selections to All-Defensive Teams and 18 All-Star appearances.

Throughout his career, Bryant averaged 25.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 4.7 apg while shooting 44.7% from the field.

He previously held the record for most shots missed in history with 14,481, until it was surpassed earlier tonight by a fellow Los Angeles Lakers legend.

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#1. LeBron James (14,485 FGAs missed and counting)

LeBron James (Image Source: IMAGN)

LeBron James officially began his 22nd season on Tuesday in the Lakers’ opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

During the game, he set several NBA records, including becoming part of the league's first active father-son duo by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, and tying Vince Carter for the most seasons played in the league. Additionally, he surpassed Bryant for the title of most field goals missed in history.

LeBron entered the game needing just six misses to exceed Bryant’s record, and he finished with 16 points on a 7-for-16 shooting performance, missing nine shots to become the new leader.

He now has 14,485 missed shots and counting.