Cleveland forward LeBron James remains idle due to a sore back and there are doubts he will be ready when the Cavaliers open the NBA season on Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls.James hasn't practiced since Oct. 13, when he received an anti-inflammatory injection in his back. But the four-time MVP remains hopeful he will be on the court for the opener despite the fact he hasn't been cleared by the team's medical staff."If everything goes right," James told reporters in reference to whether he will play. "We feel like we're progressing really well and if we can continue to do that, then I'm optimistic that I'll be able to go." Meanwhile, Cleveland trimmed its roster to 16 by waiving the following four players: forward Austin Daye, guard/forward D.J. Stephens, guard Dionte Christmas and forward Jack Cooley.

Stephens was waived by the Pelicans Friday, the Times-Picayune reports.

Stephens didn't have a very good shot of making the team from the beginning, after being signed in early October as a training camp body. The Pelicans had to get down to the regular season limit of 15 players, so Stephens was the next man to go.

Stephens signed a training camp deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Times-Picayune reports.

Stephens' odds of making the final roster are long, but the Memphis product will have an opportunity to showcase his skills this preseason. The 6-foot-5 guard spent time in Greece, Turkey, and with the Milwaukee Bucks after going undrafted last season.

D.J. Stephens was signed by MLW on Saturday March 29.