LEBRON JAMES is expected to play in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ regular-season opener next week despite his recent back problems, a league source told Yahoo Sports on Saturday.

    James received an anti-inflammatory injection in his back Oct. 13 and has played in only two preseason games. James, however, has been working out daily and his back is improving, the source said.

    James and the Cavaliers open the regular season tomorrow on the road against the Chicago Bulls.

    James, 30, received a similar anti-inflammatory shot last season because of back pain and a strained left knee. He recently said he would be open to receiving another shot in his back if necessary.

    James is entering his 13th NBA season and has averaged 39.1 minutes over 911 career regular-season games.

    In another development, Lamar Odom is believed to have overdosed on cocaine and other drugs before he was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel, according to search warrant records.

    Odom was hospitalized in Las Vegas and transferred to Los Angeles, where his family said Thursday he was undergoing therapy and is showing improvement.

    ‘’He is beginning to gradually flourish both mentally and physically,’’ said a statement from Alvina Alston, publicist for Odom’s aunt JaNean Mercer. “His use of speech has increased, and he’s more cognitively responsive.’’

    (SD-Agencies)