The thing that is going to be tough for Live is that 2k has effectively everythign that live couldve offered to differentiate itself from its competitor. Outside of Online stability, im not sure what live has to offer (at this point) that would make people choose Live over 2k.
Ive heard mention of a physics system, 2k13 implements a physic system. International teams? Well 2k has the Dream team and Dream Team 2. Right stick dribbling, 2k has that now as well....On top of all of that 2k has a very solid foundation that is being improved upon all the time, Live has to start from scratch again!
Im hoping for Live to come back but Im not sure what they have to offer that will blow us away, at least this year. Unless it has some amazing physics, a brand new and revolutionary play style that just works and feels natural Im not sure it can stand any ground....at least initially. 3 years from now? Who knows, it could be a much better game than 2k