It depends completely, if we are talking this olympics so far, then yes Lochte is better. At the moment. Essentially whoever has the most medals is the best, because clearly they are more successful at their sport. Therefore overall as an athlete id have to say phelps. But so far, Lochte at this olympics.
though as mentioned, phelps hasnttrained for the 400 IM,
and lochte lost as anchor for the 200 relay.... and that was just such a let down
lochte is actually really 1 for 1,
because US was ahead in the relay against france.
but his fail clutch got them the silver.