Why Dwight Howard's Decision is a Slap in the Face to LeBron and Heat

Dwight Howard has just chosen to remain with the Orlando Magic for one more year, and team management couldn't be happier. They now have bought some time to build him a solid supporting cast, all with the hope that he'll sign a new, long-term contract with them in the near future.

Given these new developments, there is one group that must be shaking in their boots.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. I'm talking about LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Keep in mind, both the Heat and the Magic play in the NBA Southeast Division, and while Orlando may be four games behind their stacked rivals and in second place, they just beat them in overtime by a score of 104-98. In the game, Howard scored 24 points and pulled down an astounding 25 rebounds.

As a result, I'm willing to bet that the Heat are feeling pretty scared heading into next season. Sure, they're No. 2 in the Eastern Conference now and are the reigning conference champs, but the Magic are on a three-game winning streak and could easily go on a huge run to end the season and carry it into the playoffs.

Given the way in which Miami ended its season last year, I'd be worried if I were associated with the team in any way. First off, maybe Howard's decision to remain in Orlando is a sign that he doesn't buy into the "Big Three" mentality.

Sure, such an approach looks good on paper, but look at last year's NBA Finals. The Heat looked like an absolute mess against the Dallas Mavericks, and it was the inability of James to step up in the clutch that ultimately killed them. Simply put, basketball is a team game, and while the Heat look good on paper, they're actually pretty overrated in that they rely on three players to shoulder most of the load rather than the 12 they have available.

If you think about it, their performance last year could be considered a gift to Howard and the Magic.  They now know how their biggest division rival works and approaches the game, and now, they have well over a year to field a team that they feel could best LeBron and Company. 

In the end, for all we know, team chemistry could become a nightmare in Miami, and Orlando could end up on top in both the division and conference races.

At that point, chances are that LeBron will finally start having regrets about his infamous decision.