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After an "inexplicable" two game losing streak, virtually all talks of a 70 win season are over in Los Angeles. Congratulations, 1996 Chicago Bulls. Your record of 72-10 will likely not be challenged, and for another year, you can rest assured that you are the greatest team of all time. But isn't it possible that the Lakers could win less then 72 games and still be a better team then those Bulls? Of course it is. But in our society, it is all about the numbers: wins, losses, etc. So lets forget the numbers and simply break down both rosters. I think you will be surprised by the results.

Starting PG: Ron Harper vs Derek Fisher

Two players that are very similar in their games, with the exception of Harper being a few inches taller. But Fisher has proven that he is a better shooter and passer, and has made clutch shots his whole career. I give the nod to D-fish here.

Advantage: Fisher. Lakers-1 Bulls-0

Starting SG: Michael Jordan vs Kobe Bryant

I'm not naive enough to say that Kobe is better then Michael. I understand that Mike is the best of all time, and only once his career is over can Kobe be considered greater. But its very possible that at the end of the day, these could be the two greatest players of all time.

Advantage: Jordan(as close to a push against Mike as you will get) Lakers-1 Bulls-1

Starting SF: Scottie Pippen vs Lamar Odom

An interesting matchup here. On one side, you have the ultimate Robin when it comes to Batman and Robin in sports. On the other side, you have Lamar Odom, who might be the most confusing player in NBA history. Here's an average 10 games for Odom: 6 average/subpar games at best, 3 terrible games, and one incredible game with 24 pts and 20 rebounds that leaves you with you scratching your head wondering how someone so talented could be so inconsistent. Odom has been much more consistent this year, but again, I'm no fool here. Pippen wins easy.

Advantage: Pippen Lakers-1 Bulls-2

Starting PF: Dennis Rodman vs Pau Gasol

The untliamte bad boy vs the mild mannered Spainard. Obviously Rodman is a beast on the glass, but other then that, he never did much. Gasol might average a couple rebounds less then Rodman, but more the makes up for it with his 10+ more pts a game and better blocking.

Advantage: Gasol Lakers-2 Bulls- 2

Starting Center: Andrew Bynum vs Luc Longley

I think alot of people are forgetting that Bynum is hurt right now. For the sake of argument, we are going to assume he's healthy. If he is, he clearly blows Longley out of the water. Bynum is bigger, faster, and stronger. If only he could stay healthy, he would be an all star almost every year.

Advantage: Bynum Lakers-3 Bulls-2

Sixth Man: Ron Artest vs Toni Kukoc

These are two vastly different players who were important to their team for very different reason. Kukoc was a solid shooter who would make all of the easy plays and most of the tough ones. Artest is one of the greatest defensive players of all time, who for all his bad decision making, makes the occasionally great play.

Advantage: Push Lakers-3 Bulls-2 Tie-1

White Veteran Point Guards: Steve Kerr vs Steve Blake

I have a soft spot in my heart for both of these guys. I was always a Kerr fan. A hard worker who gained the trust of one Michael Jordan, and buried the big shot in the finals the next year to clinch the title. Steve Blake led my Terps to their 2002 NCAA title game, and has been a solid NBA player who is finally on a team where his talents cane be showcased. Oh yeah, and there was also his game winning three pointer against Houston on opening night. Ultimately, Blake is a better passer and rebounder, and is not quite the 3 point shooter Kerr was, but he's close.

Advantage: Blake Lakers- 4 Bulls-2 Tie-1

Rest of the Bench:
Let me just list off a few names: Bill Wennington, Jud Buechler, Dickey Simpkins vs Shannon Brown, Matt Barnes, and Derrick Caracter(lets forget about Sasha and Luke lol). This one goes without saying.

Advantage: Lakers bench. Lakers-5 Bulls-2 Tie-1.

Well would you look at that. The Lakers dominate the Bulls on paper. If this isn't enough for you, think of it this way. In 1996, the Bulls lost 3 playoffs games, and no team was even close to competing with them. This year, the Lakers have 5-8 teams that could run with them any night. The reason is simple: the NBA is bigger, faster, and stronger then it was in 1996. Think of it this way: the Celtics and Lakers dominated the NBA in the 60's and the 80's. Can anyone seriously say with a straight face that those teams would be able to beat the Lakers and Celtics of today. Its a matter of science. So is 72 wins the mark of the greatest team ever? I hope that this makes you think otherwise.