LeBron James and the Cavaliers making their annual appearance in Phoenix on Tuesday. Follow along for updates throughout the game. If you’re having trouble seeing the updates, click here.

Jones’ influence

Suns Vice President of Basketball Operations James Jones could have some conflicted feelings Tuesday during Phoenix’s game against Cleveland.

Jones, of course, was a teammate of LeBron James the past three seasons and the six seasons prior in Miami. Jones knows James so well, in fact, that interim coach Jay Triano picked his brain after Tuesday morning’s shootaround.

“I said, ‘Did I cover everything (about LeBron)?’ ” Triano said. “He was like, ‘He’s going to be who he is.’ “

Triano said Jones has been a “real plus” for the Suns.

“Just basketball IQ and knowledge, all-around great guy who is always here,” Triano said. “He’ll pop in with the coaches and there’s never an uneasy feeling about when he’s around. He can come in and he can sit and talk with players. He can come in and sit and talk with coaches or upper management and it’s always just easy straight talk and it’s been really nice because he’s been around for a long time and has gone through a lot of experiences and won championships. For me, as a coach, it’s been great to bounce ideas off of him.”

RELATED: Suns marvel at LeBron James’ continuing brilliance at the age of 33

Pregame atmosphere

James’ heavy load

Cavaliers star LeBron James said he’s had to continue to improve and carry a heavy load, with very little help during his career.

“It’s very tough, very challenging,” James said of the NBA grind following Tuesday’s shootaround. “… As far as being an NBA player, how to approach it. How to (take care of) your body, things of that nature. How do you continue to, you know, stay consistent. I’ve learned all of that on my own. All on the fly because I’ve never had somebody I could go to so … and nobody ever kinda lended a hand to me, either, so I’ve kind of just figured it out.”

Entering Tuesday’s game in Phoenix, James was second in assists (9.0), behind only Russell Westbrook, and was tied for fourth in scoring with Damian Lillard (26.9 ppg). James also has pulled down 8.4 rebounds per game (tied for 17th in the NBA).

Tuesday’s game: Cavaliers at Suns

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena.

TV/radio: FSAZ/KTAR 98.7 FM.

Update: LeBron James and the Cavaliers make their annual appearance in Phoenix Tuesday. … The Cavs, who retooled their team at the trading deadline, have lost four of their past six games and were thumped by the Lakers, 127-113 on Sunday. Cleveland, which has a five-game win streak over Phoenix, will be without Kevin Love (hand) and Tristan Thompson (ankle), and Rodney Hood (back) is listed as doubtful. LeBron, meanwhile, is averaging 26.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and nine assists per game. … The Suns should have a healthy lineup after Devin Booker (triceps), T.J. Warren (back) and Josh Jackson (knee) all practiced Monday.

Hopeful: Suns center Alan Williams could return this week

What it means: Suns’ Devin Booker honors his ‘angels’ with on-court gesture

NBA power rankings: Losses to keep piling up for Phoenix Suns?