Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Jeremy Lin will soon have to learn to play with Carmelo Anthony, as well as one of Anthony’s former Denver Nuggets teammate.

The Knicks are closing in on a deal to sign free agent shooting guard J.R. Smith, the Daily News has learned. Smith began the season in China, but has been eyeing a return to the NBA once the lockout ended.

Smith’s agent, Leon Rose, met with Garden Chairman James Dolan following Wednesday’s Knicks’ win over Sacramento to finalize a contract. It is believed that Smith, who has also attracted the interest of the Clippers, will receive the Knicks’ $2.5 million exception. Rose also represents Anthony, who has lobbied the club to add Smith, an explosive scorer who can also be erratic at times. He has averaged 12.5 points per game over seven NBA seasons
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Smith, 25, was involved in the brawl between the Knicks and Nuggets in 2006, which began when former Knick Mardy Collins fouled Smith hard from behind. Moments earlier, then Knicks coach Isiah Thomas had warned Anthony not to go to the basket because the Knicks, who were being blown out, would hit him.

In order to create a roster spot for Smith, the Knicks would have to release a player. If Lin never got a chance two weeks ago he would have been the most likely candidate. Instead, someone from the group of Mike Bibby, Renaldo Balkman or Toney Douglas is in danger of being released.

Dolan, Mike D’Antoni and GM Glen Grunwald met late last night to discuss the team’s options.

WRITTEN BY FRANK ISOLA   & FULL STORY AT NYDAILYNEWS