The league handed down its verdict this morning, suspending center Andrew Bynum for two games without pay for thumping Michael Beasley to the court during the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ victory Friday night over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bynum will sit out tonight’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers and Tuesday’s contest against the Phoenix Suns. Beasley suffered a bruised left hip when he hit the floor.

Bynum wasn’t available for comment.

“There’s a thin line nowadays between a hard foul and a flagrant foul,” Lamar Odom said tonight. “I guess you’ve got to make a play on the ball. … You’ve got play hard and play physical, but you’ve got to make sure no one gets hurt.”

“I suppose there is discretion that goes into (committing) a hard foul,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. “I haven’t seen Andrew do that. Maybe one other time. Even in practice, he doesn’t get involved in that kind of stuff. That’s a little out of character for him.”