He dishes about Denver

Staff writer Mike Bresnahan ties up some loose ends on days of Lakers playoff games.

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They’re already champions

The Denver Nuggets will definitely win something this season: Most expensive media meal in the league.

Most teams give reporters free food or charge a few bucks before games, but the Nuggets charge $10, which always rankles visiting media members.

In fact, the meal that was offered when the Lakers played there in February was a baked-potato bar and salad. That’s it. I mean, talk about cutting into my per diem on the road . . . for starch and a few lettuce leaves!

Then again, I’d rather pay $800 for the Nuggets’ media spread than eat the free food offered to reporters at Madison Square Garden. My stomach just did a triple lutz thinking about those cold hot dogs and warm cold cuts. How unfortunate.

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Q&A; of the day

Question: What an exciting Game 7. Bynum looked more comfortable! Kobe didn’t have to extend himself -- blocked shots, steals and overall defense did help! Ariza did terrific! Odom needs more time to heal! I think Fish and perhaps Shannon will help defend Billups, we will see!

--Robert K.

Answer: Thanks for the e-mail, Rob! I think the Lakers are glad that series is over! It’ll be interesting to see how they do against Denver! I hope the “!� key on your computer isn’t broken because mine is now!

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View from the other bench

From Denver Post columnist Woody Paige:

“The last time the Nuggets won a postseason game in Los Angeles [at the old Forum], in 1985, J.R. Smith and Johan Petro were months from being born in New Jersey and France. The Nuggets stunned the Lakers, 136-114, in Los Angeles on May 14, 1985.

“However, I believe I am the only person in Denver to have witnessed all 15 playoff games between the Nuggets and the Lakers. [I got pneumonia the night of one when it snowed]) I am 2-13.�

Ugh, 2-13? I assume the Nuggets will be offering Woody a lifetime ski pass at Aspen, a 50-acre ranch in Wyoming and the private banquet room at Elway’s Steakhouse all week long if he stays home for Games 1 and 2.

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Best-case Lakers scenario

The Lakers look nothing like the team from Games 1, 4 and 6 of the Houston series.

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Worst-case Lakers scenario

The Lakers look exactly like the team from Games 1, 4 and 6 of the Houston series.

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Final thought

Seeing how I went 3-4 in picking Lakers games last round, I wouldn’t rush to Vegas and wager large chunks of the 401(k) on this information, but the Lakers will win tonight and take this series in six games.

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