Cavaliers' LeBron James will return to starting lineup Tuesday against Suns

LeBron James will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers' starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns, according to Chris Haynes of The Plain-Dealer in Cleveland.

LeBron James will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers' starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns, according to Chris Haynes of The Plain-Dealer.

James has not played since Dec. 28 due to a strained back and knee, and the Cavaliers have gone 1-8 in his absence. The 30-year-old said he isn't coming back early due to the team's struggles, adding that Cleveland wouldn't allow that. 

• David Blatt clarifies his max player comments about Kevin Love

James is averaging 25.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists this season.

Last week, Cleveland traded guard Dion Waiters to the Oklahoma City Thunder and acquired guards Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith from the New York Knicks in a three-team trade. The Cavaliers also acquired center Timofey Mozgov from the Denver Nuggets.

- Molly Geary