Basketball used to be simpler. You had your scorers, your glass-cleaners, and your floor generals. But then the triple-double happened. It became the ultimate "I did everything" stat. Honestly, we’ve entered a weird era where seeing a guy put up 20, 10, and 10 doesn't even make us blink anymore. It’s wild.
The list of all time nba triple double leaders is essentially a map of how the league has changed. From the days of Oscar Robertson being the lone pioneer to Russell Westbrook literally breaking the game of basketball, the numbers are getting astronomical.
But who actually sits at the top? And does having the most "triples" actually make you the best? It’s complicated.
The King of the Mountain: Russell Westbrook
He did it. For decades, people thought Oscar Robertson’s 181 triple-doubles was a "never-gonna-happen" record. Like the 100-point game or the 55-rebound game. Then came Russ.
As of early 2026, Russell Westbrook sits at a staggering 208 regular-season triple-doubles. If you count his 12 playoff entries, he’s at 220. That is just absurd.
People love to hate on Westbrook. They say he "stat-pads." They say he chases rebounds. But you try grabbing 10 boards as a point guard while also feeding teammates and scoring 20. It's exhausting just watching him. He changed the math. He didn't just average a triple-double once; he did it in four separate seasons. That’s a level of motor that defies logic.
Even now, playing for the Kings in the 2025-26 season, he’s still chipping away. He’s notched four already this year. He might not be the "MVP Russ" of 2017, but the guy is a walking energy drink.
The Big O: The Original Standard
Before Westbrook, there was Oscar Robertson. For about 50 years, Oscar was the triple-double. He ended his career with 181.
Think about the 1960s. No three-point line. Heavy leather balls. Chuck Taylors. Oscar was basically a 6'5" freight train playing point guard. He was the first player to ever average a triple-double for a whole season (1961-62). For a long time, he was the only one.
The most impressive part? He wasn't even trying to get them. The term "triple-double" didn't even exist back then! It was coined later, mostly to describe Magic Johnson's exploits. Oscar was just playing ball, and "playing ball" for him meant doing everything better than everyone else.
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The Joker is Closing In
If you’re looking for the guy who might actually pass Westbrook, it’s Nikola Jokic. Honestly, it's not even a "might" anymore. It feels inevitable.
Jokic is currently sitting at 180 regular-season triple-doubles. He’s literally one away from tying Oscar Robertson for second all-time. If he hasn't done it by the time you're reading this, he'll do it by next Tuesday. The guy is a 7-foot savant who passes like a wizard and rebounds like he's magnetizing the ball.
Check out these recent "Joker" stats that just feel like video game numbers:
- He dropped a 61-point triple-double against Minnesota in April 2025.
- On Christmas Day 2025, he had 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists.
- He holds the record for the fastest triple-double ever: 14 minutes and 33 seconds.
The Nuggets big man has already joined the "averaged a triple-double for a season" club (2024-25), making him only the third person ever to do it. He’s 30 years old. He has plenty of road left. At the rate he’s going—notching 34 already in this 2025-26 campaign—Westbrook’s #1 spot is in serious jeopardy.
Magic, LeBron, and the Lakers Legacy
Then you've got the Lakers legends. Magic Johnson is 4th on the list with 138. Magic is sort of the reason we care about this stat. He made it cool. He was 6'9", smiling, and throwing no-look passes to James Worthy.
While Magic is 4th in the regular season, he is still the undisputed king of the postseason. He has 30 playoff triple-doubles.
LeBron James is right on his heels. LeBron has 122 in the regular season and 28 in the playoffs.
Watching LeBron at 41 years old is just surreal. Just a few days ago, on January 13, 2026, he nearly became the oldest player to ever record a triple-double. He finished with 31 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds against the Hawks. He subbed himself out with three minutes left because he cared more about rest than the stat.
That’s the nuance of LeBron. He could probably have 200 triple-doubles if he hunted them, but he’s always played a "read the game" style. Now that he’s playing alongside Luka Doncic in LA, his role has shifted slightly, but the "King" still finds ways to fill a sheet.
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The New Guard: Luka and Sabonis
Speaking of Luka, the kid is a problem. Luka Doncic is already 7th all-time with 85. He’s only 26.
Luka is currently on a tear. He had five straight triple-doubles to start 2026. He’s averaging something like 35, 10, and 9 this season. If health stays on his side, he’s the dark horse to eventually challenge for the #1 overall spot. He treats a 30-point triple-double like a morning coffee.
And we can't forget Domantas Sabonis. He’s quietly climbed to 10th all-time with 68. In Sacramento, the offense literally runs through him. He’s become the "Jokic Lite" of the West, consistently grabbing 12-15 boards and dishing out 10 assists from the elbow.
Why Do Triple-Doubles Happen So Much Now?
You've probably noticed the explosion. In the 90s, if a guy got a triple-double, it was lead-story news on SportsCenter. Now, it's just a Tuesday. Why?
- Pace of Play: Teams play much faster now. More possessions = more chances for stats.
- The Three-Point Revolution: Long shots lead to long rebounds. Guards like Westbrook and Luka can swoop in and grab boards that used to go to centers.
- Positionless Basketball: Centers like Jokic are now the primary playmakers. Point guards like Russ are elite rebounders. Everyone does everything.
- Helio-centrism: Teams often let one star (Luka, Harden, Jokic) handle the ball on every single play.
The All-Time Leaderboard (As of January 2026)
Instead of a boring table, let's just look at the raw hierarchy of the greats:
The 200 Club
Russell Westbrook is the lone resident here with 208. He is the volume king.
The 180 Tier
Oscar Robertson (181) and Nikola Jokic (180) are neck-and-neck. By the time the 2026 All-Star break hits, Jokic will likely be alone in 2nd place.
The Centennial Class
Magic Johnson (138), LeBron James (122), and Jason Kidd (107). These are the guys who defined the "all-around" game for two different generations.
The Rising Stars
Luka Doncic (85), James Harden (82), Wilt Chamberlain (78), and Domantas Sabonis (68).
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Wait, Wilt? Yeah. Wilt Chamberlain once decided he wanted to lead the league in assists just to prove he could. He did it. He’s the only center on the legacy list until you hit Jokic and Sabonis.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that a triple-double equals a win. It doesn't.
Stat-padding is real. We’ve all seen a player pass up an open layup to try and get their 10th assist. Or a big man box out his own teammate so he can snag his 10th rebound.
However, coaches will tell you that for guys like Jokic or Magic, the triple-double is a byproduct of winning basketball. When Jokic has 10 assists, it means the Nuggets' offense is humming. When Westbrook has 10 rebounds, it means he’s starting the fast break instantly.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're following the all time nba triple double leaders, keep these things in mind for the rest of the 2026 season:
- Watch the Jokic/Oscar Tracker: Jokic is about to move into 2nd place. Every Nuggets game right now is a potential history-making night.
- The Luka Leap: Luka is passing Hall of Famers every few months. He’ll likely pass James Harden and Wilt Chamberlain before this season ends.
- Context Matters: Look at "Fast Break Points" alongside triple-doubles. A triple-double in a slow-paced game is significantly more impressive than one in a 145-140 shootout.
- The Age Factor: LeBron is 41. Every triple-double he gets from here on out extends his record as the oldest player to ever do it. He's fighting against time itself.
The triple-double isn't just a stat anymore; it’s a culture. Whether you think they’re overvalued or the ultimate sign of greatness, the names at the top of this list represent the most versatile athletes to ever step on hardwood.
Stay tuned to the box scores. We are watching the most prolific era of all-around basketball in history, and the record book is being rewritten in real-time.
Next Steps for Your NBA Research:
To truly understand the impact of these players, your next step should be to look into On/Off Net Rating for these leaders. This reveals whether those 10 rebounds and 10 assists actually translate to team success or if they are "hollow" stats. You should also compare the Postseason Triple-Double percentage (triple-doubles per games played) to see who steps up when the stakes are highest—specifically comparing Magic Johnson’s efficiency to the modern volume leaders.