Maybe two months. Maybe two years. . . . No one seems to be able to pinpoint, or even provide an educated estimate, of when Maciej Lampe might become a regular contributor in the Knicks' universe. But most - including Lampe himself - seem certain it will come.

"It all depends," said the 18-year-old, 7-0 Lampe, taking a break from a summer camp for about 250 kids at Basketball City right before Thursday's blackout.

"I never played in the NBA," he added. "I don't know how good the guys are."

Trust us on this one: They're pretty good.

"I'm just hoping to work hard every day and we'll see. It all depends on how quickly I develop.

"It might take a month or two years . . . you never know," Lampe added, one day after signing a three-year deal worth an estimated $2.88 million, a contract that had to wait until a buyout agreement could be reached concerning his Euroleague pact with Real Madrid. "It all depends on my game. My goal is to learn as much as I can the first year."