Jerome James' right-knee injury is more serious than the Knicks have let on - and could force him to have season-ending surgery, The Post has learned.

James told The Post last night the "hardware" in his knee from a 1999 reconstructive surgery to repair a torn ACL is being rejected by his body, causing massive swelling and fluid to build up.

However, the Knicks' backup center vowed he will postpone the surgery until summer, feeling he can get back healthy enough to play a limited role.