1. Kobe Bryant - 25 times
In his great NBA career to date Kobe Bryant has scored 50 or more points in a game an amazing 25 times. During the 2006-07 season alone Kobe scored 50 or more points 10 times. In March of 2007 Kobe scored 50 or more points in a game in 4 consecutive games and 5 total times that month.
During the 2005-06 season Kobe scored 50 or more points in a game 7 times including his famous 81 point game on January 22, 2006 and a 50 point game on May 4, 2006 in the playoffs.
Kobe has also scored 60 or more points in a game 5 times and is one of only 4 players in NBA history to score 60 or more points in a game multiple times.
Wilt Chamberlain (32 times), Michael Jordan (5 times) and Elgin Baylor (4 times) are the other three players.
The last time Kobe Bryant scored 50 or more points in a game was on February 2, 2009 when he actually scored 60 points vs the New York Knicks. He may or may not accomplish the feat again in his career but he leads all active players in scoring 50 or more points by a whopping 16 games.
2. LeBron James - 9 times
LeBron James is 26 years old and has scored 50 or more points in a game 9 times including once so far this season.On February 3, 2011 LeBron poured in 51 points vs the Orlando Magic when he made 17 out of 25 shots from the field including 3 for 5 from 3-point range and 14 out of 17 free throws.
LeBron James is clearly the biggest threat in the NBA today to score 50 or more points in any given game but he has yet to score 60 or more points in a game. His career high is 56 points which he accomplished on March 20, 2005 while with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
3. Tracy McGrady - 4 times
Tracy McGrady has scored 50 or more points in his NBA career 4 times including once scoring 62 points on March 10, 2004 for the Orlando Magic. McGrady also scored 52, 51 and 50 points in a game. Now battling injuries he is unlikely to ever score 50 points in a game again.
T-4. Dwyane Wade - 3 times
LeBron's Miami Heat teammate Dwyane Wade has scored 50 or more points in a game 3 times. All 3 games occurred in 2009 as Wade poured in 50 points in a game in February, another 50 point game in March and then he scored a career high 55 points in a game in April. Wade is 29 years old and still a threat to have another 50 point game anytime.
T-4. Dirk Nowitzki - 3 times
Seven foot tall Dirk Nowitzki has scored 50 or more points 3 times. He scored 53 points in a game in 2004, 51 points in a game in 2006 and also had a 50 point game in the playoffs on June 6, 2006.
T-4. Shaquille O'Neal - 3 times
Shaq has scored 50 or more points 3 times in his career including a 61 point game which he accomplished on his 28th birthday on March 6, 2000. Shaq also has games of 53 points (1994) and 50 points (1998) vs my Nets. Obviously he is unlikely to ever score 50 points in a game again.
T-4. Gilbert Arenas - 3 times
Gilbert Arenas has scored 50 or more points in a game 3 times in his career including a 60 point effort on December 17, 2006 vs Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe scored 45 points in the same game. Arenas also has games of 54 points (2006) and 51 points (2007). Arenas is 29 year old now and doesn't score like he used to so he's probably unlikely to score 50 ever again.
T-4. Vince Carte - 3 times
Vince Carter has scored 50 or more points in a game 3 times in his career including on December 23, 2005 when he poured in 51 points for my New Jersey Nets vs the Miami Heat. Only Mike Newlin and Ray Williams have ever scored more points in a game for the Nets.
Vince Carter also scored 51 points in 2000 for the Toronto Raptors and then on May 11, 2001 for the Raptors he poured in 50 points in a playoff game. Carter is now 34 years old and highly unlikely to score 50 points in a game again.
T-4. Jamal Crawford - 3 times
Jamal Crawford has scored 50 or more points 3 times so far in his career. Twice he poured in 50 points - once in 2004 and once in 2008. He also scored 52 points in a game playing for the New York Knicks in 2007.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ycn-8151162