Karl Malone

Karl Malone is a former American professional basketball player best known for his 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz and one season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Karl Malone is a retired American power forward who played 19 seasons in the NBA, mostly with the Utah Jazz. He is one of the league's all-time leading scorers and a two-time MVP.

What it is

Karl Anthony Malone was born in Summerfield, Louisiana, and played college ball at Louisiana Tech. Drafted 13th overall in 1985 by the Utah Jazz, he spent 18 seasons there and one final season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His durability and scoring made him a fixture at power forward.

Why it matters

Malone ranks among the NBA's career scoring leaders with 36,928 points, a mark second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the time of his retirement. He won two MVP awards, was a 14-time All-Star, and entered the Hall of Fame in 2010. His long partnership with John Stockton defined the Utah Jazz’s contention years.

Key details

Nicknamed “the Mailman” for his reliable delivery on the court, Malone led the Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances in the 1990s. He earned All-NBA honours 14 times and was known for his strength and mid-range game. His career total of 36,928 points remains the second-most in NBA history.