Walsh: Lee should be an All-Star

Knicks team president Donnie Walsh admits David Lee is better than he thought this past summer and thinks he should be named to the All-Star team as an Eastern reserve.

Coaches received their ballots Friday. The results will be announced Thursday. The bad side is if Lee is named to the All-Star team, his market value could make it such that Walsh will not have cap space to re-sign him if the Knicks hit the jackpot and land LeBron James.

"He's played well enough to be an All-Star," Walsh said. "I'm not usually a guy who touts his own players. If you're asking me the question, he's had a great year."

Lee's 31-point, 17-rebound night vs. the Lakers on national TV could help his cause, but the Knicks 17-25 record does not. Al Horford and Gerald Wallace, both on winning teams, likely will be selected ahead of Lee, but he still could squeeze in.

Walsh could have locked Lee up last summer, but gave him a one-year, $7 million deal. As for an All-Star berth impacting Lee's chances of returning, Walsh said he hopes Lee can remain a Knick.

"I've told you guys consistently none of these guys are throwaways, even if in their last year," Walsh said. "I'd like to keep him. We're going to have options. Nothing's set in stone."

Lee is averaging 19.4 points and 11.4 rebounds.

"I always thought he was a great rebounder," Walsh said. "I had no idea, particularly in the pick and roll, when he has his back to the basket, he still has touch around the basket that not many players can do. It's real talent."

* Walsh said he was pleased with Friday night's electricity at the Garden, despite suffering a 115-105 loss to the Lakers. The Knicks went toe-toe with purple-and-gold for three quarters, taking a one-point lead into the final period.

"I loved it," Walsh said of the atmosphere. "There was a lot of buzz around the arena. The Lakers are a championship team, and they're playing like a championship team. I want us to be the Lakers."

* Nate Robinson (hamstring) is doubtful today. . . . Rookie Jordan Hill is taking advantage of his new rotation spot; he scored eight points and seven boards in 11 minutes vs. the Lakers.