Round 1 - SCORING: Score the first blow delivered to the Lakers center. Maybe it’s their tradition of first-name basis centers (Wilt, Kareem, Shaq) or the fact that he learned under Kareem’s tutelage, but Bynum could very well be a 20-point scorer if given the opportunity. Even with his inconsistent number of touches, Bynum has put up a career-high scoring average of 15.6 ppg this season. With his improving footwork, soft hands and a dependable array of drop-step hooks, short jumpers and a power game (the ol’ one dribble back down followed by a turnaround dunk), Bynum has a better offensive postgame than even Dwight Howard. Horford’s scoring average might be about a field goal shy of Bynum’s, but his points are more a byproduct of being active around the basket. Most of the Hawks’ offense gets funneled through their perimeter guys, leaving Horford with the clean-up duties on penetration and putbacks. Unlike many big men who are shaky at the line, both Horford and Bynum are excellent (75 percent) free-throw shooters. Winner: BYNUM

Round 2 - FLOOR GAME: Both Bynum and Horford pack a punch, but in different ways. Bynum is more the classic throwback center—rebound, defend, back-to-the-basket game—whereas Horford is more the modern pivot, able to do some of the little things that old-school centers weren’t expected to handle: run the floor in the fastbreak, grab a board, lead the break and find a cutting teammate. This is not typically a category that centers are measured by, but nevertheless, it’s one that Horford is superior at. Winner: HORFORD

Round 3 - DEFENSE: Championship-contending teams usually share one common denominator: good interior defense. It’s no surprise that the Hawks and Lakers are on a short list of potential Finals contenders with the excellent protection afforded by their centers. It’s tough to pick a winner in this category as both Bynum and Horford protect the basket, rebound the ball and challenge shots. Bynum’s size advantage (two inches and 40 pounds) gives him a leg up in interior duties, but Horford makes up the difference with a long wingspan (7-4), outstanding strength and active game. Bynum certainly has the potential to eclipse Horford, but his inconsistency on defense (even Phil Jackson has groused about it) gives Horford the edge for now. Winner: HORFORD

Round 4 - CLUTCH: In his still nascent career, Horford has been in many big moments already, most notably the seven-game ’08 first round playoff series against the eventual-champion Boston Celtics during his rookie year. While most rooks would squint and shy away from the spotlight, Horford picked up his game with a 12.6 ppg and 10.4 rpg series while tangling with Kevin Garnett. Horford made some key buckets down the stretches that helped the happy-to-be-invited-to-the-party Hawks put the scare into the C’s. As unfair as it may be, playing with Kobe Bryant means Bynum’s number is rarely called when the stakes are high. Such is life. Couple that with veterans Pau Gasol, Ron Artest and the clutch Derek Fisher and we may not know for a while. Winner: HORFORD

Round 5 - LEADERSHIP: Had Bynum went the college route and stayed four years, this season he’d be carrying bags and fetching donuts for vets. Instead, he’s the starting center for the defending champs. Even with the valuable four years of apprenticeship, Bynum is still learning to be a pro. With the aforementioned vets on the team and a sage like Jackson for a coach, he’d be wise to absorb as much as possible. On the other hand, Horford is more a natural leader who had some on-the-job training as a part of a back-to-back NCAA title team in Florida. He might be one of the younger members of the Hawks, but he’s already one of their more vocal and inspiring ones as evidenced by his refusal to back down to KG during the memorable Boston playoff series during Horford’s rookie run. Add in the injection of confidence with his first All-Star selection, and we see Horford asserting himself even more. Winner: HORFORD

THE VERDICT Unless you’re jumping the tip for Orlando, every center in the League gets in line behind Howard. That said, there are only a handful of young centers that possess as much upside as Bynum and Horford. We picked Horford based on a several intangibles, but Bynum, if motivated (the recurring caveat in sports discussions), can make this the wrong choice. It will certainly be an intriguing matchup to follow as the decade unfolds.