Odom suspended following Lakers, Blazers melee

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom has been suspended one game without pay after leaving the bench to join a scuffle during Monday's game against the Trail Blazers.

LA's Trevor Ariza was ejected after committing a flagrant foul on Portland's Rudy Fernandez, sparking a melee between the teams.

Ariza ran down Fernandez and clipped the top of his head with a swipe of the arm on a layup attempt with 2.2 ticks left in the third. The Trail Blazers took exception and shoves were traded, most notably between Ariza and Portland's Brandon Roy. Cooler heads mostly prevailed and the league determined Ariza would not be suspended for his actions, but Odom left the bench to restrain players and drew the lone penalty.

Meanwhile Fernandez remained on the floor under the basket and was removed via a stretcher with a precautionary neck brace. The Spanish guard-forward was taken to the hospital where he reported having chest discomfort. The impact of the fall was centered near his left hip.

The Blazers won the game, 111-94.

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