Report: Knicks closing in on deal with Robin Lopez

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The New York Knicks may have missed out on some big-name free agents on Wednesday, but that will not deter team president and triangle guru Phil Jackson from pressing on.

The Knicks and unrestricted free agent Robin Lopez are closing in on a deal, Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the team "left a positive impression" on the 7-footer Wednesday evening.

Lopez performed admirably for the Portland Trail Blazers last season, averaging 9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks as the team's defensive anchor.

The Knicks are in desperate need of an upgrade at every position not occupied by superstar Carmelo Anthony. And so, successfully landing a defensive-minded big such as Lopez should do wonders for a team that finished last season with the league's 28th-ranked defense.

Knicks brass have also reportedly been kicking the tires on restricted free agent Enes Kanter, according to the New York Daily News' Frank Isola.

After signing shooting guard Arron Afflalo early Thursday, and assuming Lopez's deal is under the max, the Knicks may have enough cap space to sign Kanter as well.