Why Miami Heat Repeat Is a Done Deal If Dwight Howard Stays in Orlando

Dwight Howard is reportedly on the verge of becoming a Laker, and then he is not. Who really knows where he will end up.

Nothing is for certain—except one thing.

If Howard does not find his way to Los Angeles and stays in Orlando, the Miami Heat are a lock as the favorites to get back-to-back titles. H

ere are four reasons why the Heat will repeat next year. 

4: Weak Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference has been the weak conference since the Michael Jordan era. It is not a difficult conference to dominate. The Pistons were the most recent team to dominate in the conference, with five straight trips to the conference finals.

With all that said, the Heat will have no major problems making it back to the Eastern Conference and NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics are on their last leg with their age being a concern, and the Chicago Bulls only have Derrick Rose to rely on. 

If teams do not improve with a big star in the East, then the Heat will make an appearance in the conference finals every year.

3: The Heat Dominated the Western Conference's Best Team

The Oklahoma City Thunder were the Western Conference champions last season. The Thunder defeated the Lakers 4-1 with ease in the semifinals.

The Heat were able to dominate the Thunder and virtually sweep them by winning four straight. If the Lakers are that far away from beating the West's best team that the Heat dominated, then the Heat will have a great chance at repeating.

Even with the Lakers adding Steve Nash, they still will not able to beat the Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game series.

If Howard becomes a Laker, though, they will have a solid shot at beating both teams and knocking off the Heat.

2: Outstanding Defense

The Miami Heat have been one of the most superior teams defensively in the league since the Big Three was formed. They are active and extraordinarily quick on the wings.

Their recovery speed on defense is special. They are top five in points allowed, opponent field goal percentage and forced turnovers. And with three solid defenders,—Shane Battier, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James—it will be tough for wing players around the NBA to score.

With Howard in Orlando, the Heat would not have to face any team that has an inside and outside star. That makes things a little less tough for the Heat.

1: The Big Three

The "Big Three" have been the driving force in the Heat's success the past two years. As long as they stay together, they will continue to achieve success.

James is in his prime and is the best basketball player on the planet. He is the team leader and glue that holds everything together. Coming off an MVP season and the "monkey" off his back, his domination will continue.

Wade is still a top-five player in the league and still has the capability of taking over games, as we saw a few times in the playoffs. 

Bosh is a key component to the team, and we were able to see that during the semifinals and how the Heat missed his inside presence. 

All three players have their key roles, and they play them well.