The New York Knicks are still confident that they will keep free-agent forward Carmelo Anthony, but reports indicated that they are wary of the challenge the Los Angeles Lakers present.

ESPN Los Angeles reported on Monday that the Knicks view the Lakers as the strongest threat in the race to sign Anthony, who had a meeting with top Lakers officials on Thursday.

Sources indicated that the Lakers offered the best of both worlds to Anthony -- a lucrative deal and a chance to win his first NBA title in the near future.

The Lakers are reportedly planning to offer a maximum four-year deal worth $96 million, while also forming a solid core with Kobe Bryant, veteran center Pau Gasol, and highly-touted rookie Julius Randle.

Gasol is an unrestricted free agent this summer, but is expected to remain in Los Angeles if the Lakers succeed in their pursuit of Anthony. The 33-year-old center is also open to returning to the Lakers.

Gasol was reportedly one of the main selling points the Lakers presented during Thursday's meeting. The All-Star center reportedly talked to the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and the Chicago Bulls, but he will quickly turn down offers from other teams if Anthony decides to sign with the Lakers.

Aside from the Lakers, the Bulls are also still in the running for Anthony, who visited Chicago on Tuesday and discuss the possibility of moving to Windy City this summer.

Unlike the Lakers, the Bulls have no cap space to offer a maximum deal to Anthony with sources saying that the Chicago can only dangle an offer starting at $17 million next season. They are still getting consideration, though, because the 11-year veteran wants to play for a contender.

Money-wise, the Lakers have the edge against the Bulls. It should also be noted that Anthony previously said that it will be tough for his family to move to another city. It will not be that hard if he decides to sign with the Lakers because Anthony and his family lives in Los Angeles every offseason.

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