What would be needed: He's 19,677 behind Kareem. He'd have to average 32 points for 615 games (7.5 healthy seasons) to break the record.

Chances of catching Kareem: Slim. Iverson is just 31 and is still a scoring machine, but he is so small in a big man's game that it is unlikely he'll be around long enough. His scoring average will begin to dip in the upcoming seasons.

TRACY MCGRADY, Houston Rockets

Currently: Has scored 13,570 points and is still just 26 years old. Averaging 24.4 points this season.

What would be needed: His is 24,817 points behind Kareem. If he got healthy and averaged 30 points per game (as he has before) he would still need 827 games (10.1 healthy seasons).

Chances of catching Kareem: None. He's been too injury-prone throughout his career and his scoring average has been going down for several seasons.

KOBE BRYANT, Los Angeles Lakers

Currently: Has scored 16,437 points and is averaging a career-best 34.8 points per game.

What would be needed: He's 21,950 points behind Abdul-Jabbar. If he averaged 33 points per game, he could break the record in 666 games (or 8.1 healthy seasons).

Chances of catching Kareem: Not terrible — if he stays healthy and continues to score at his current pace. He is, after all, still just 27 years old.

LEBRON JAMES, Cleveland Cavaliers

Currently: About to become the youngest player to score 6,000 points. Averaging 30.1 points per game this season.

What would be needed: At more than 32,000 points behind Kareem, he has a long, loooooong way to go. He would need to score an average of 30 points for 1067 games (just over 13 healthy seasons).

Chances of catching Kareem: Actually, he may be the man. There will likely be years when he averages more than 30 points — and he is just 21 years old.

Overall outlook: Bryant or James — if they stay healthy and have a desire to play for almost 20 years — could get the record away from Abdul-Jabbar.

ASSISTS

JASON KIDD, New Jersey Nets