kflo

the lakers are #3 offensively this year, and #6 defensively. they've been top 8 offensively the last 3 years. this year, defensively they're finally competitive again (and holding steady without bynum). kobe's the centerpiece. he controls the tempo of the offense, the flow of the offense, dictates everything, but not by controlling the basketball at all times. but the offense, and the defense played against them, is predicated on kobe. it's really been a testament to him that they play efficiently, this year extremely efficiently. lebron is easily a better instinctive passer, sees the court better, makes snappier passes. but kobe has a feel for the lakers offense, for operating within that offense. he had it on the title teams, and he has it now. there's more to offense than making direct passes that lead to a shot, and scoring.

i have no problem with giving either guy an edge - but this goes deeper than just looking at a statsheet, or even a breakout of who does what better separately.

forgot who made the early/late jordan analogy, but there's alot of truth to that, even if it's not spot on on all aspects. they play different roles within different offenses, both arguably the better for their respective teams.