NBA News Today: ESPN holds baffling interview with LeBron James, Nikola Jokic solidifies 3rd MVP chances with another triple-double in win, and more

NBA fans were very intrigued when ESPN announced that they would hold an exclusive interview with LeBron James. However, the worldwide leader in sports trolled everyone by delaying the broadcast for more than two hours. To exacerbate matters, James didn't say anything interesting or surprising.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic had another triple-double in the Denver Nuggets' 121-108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jokic has positioned himself to win his third NBA MVP trophy in a row.

On that note, here's the latest NBA news today (January 7) brought to you by Sportskeeda:

ESPN holds baffling interview with LeBron James

ESPN announced on Friday that they would air an exclusive interview with LeBron James at 10:30 p.m. EST. When NBA fans tuned in, there was a 15-minute delay due to a collegiate gymnastics competition. It was then announced on SportsCenter that the interview was going to air on the show's second hour.

The exclusive interview was delayed for more than two hours. ESPN's Dave McMemanamin conducted the interview but didn't really ask interesting questions. James said that he wants to win, but he already said that in a postgame news conference.

"The King" also discussed breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record and playing with his son, Bronny James. Fans have known for a while that James is set to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer this season. It's also not surprising to hear LeBron wanting to play with Bronny, as he has said that multiple times before.

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Nikola Jokic solidifies third MVP award chances with another triple-double in Nuggets win

Nikola Jokic entered the 2022-23 NBA season as a two-time MVP, winning them in back-to-back seasons. However, Jokic was not the favorite to win due to the potential emergence of Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum.

"The Joker" must have taken it personally, as he has been tearing the league apart recently. He has solidified his chances of winning his third straight NBA MVP Award, averaging 25.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

Jokic has led the Denver Nuggets to the top of the Western Conference with a 26-13 record. He had his tenth triple-double on Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing with 28 points, 15 rebounds and ten assists in the Nuggets' blowout win.

Also Read: When Charles Barkley explained why Michael Jordan is the G.O.A.T.

Dallas Mavericks waive four-time NBA All-Star

Kemba Walker is a four-time NBA All-Star.

The Dallas Mavericks waived four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker on Friday ahead of the league's contract guarantee deadline. Walker signed with the Mavericks on November 29 and played nine games. He averaged 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 16.0 minutes per game.

Walker startedon December 17 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He finished with a season-high 32 points, with five rebounds and seven assists. He will be looking for a new team that wants an instant scorer off the bench.

The 32-year-old guard was an All-Star two seasons ago, but injuries have limited him during his stint with the New York Knicks last season. He's now at a career crossroads in just his 12th season in the NBA.

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Hornets' historic first quarter leads to blowout win over Bucks

The Charlotte Hornets had a first quarter for the ages on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Hornets tied an NBA record with 51 points in the first quarter. The Golden State Warriors also scored 51 points against the Denver Nuggets in 2019.

Terry Rozier exploded for 39 points, while LaMelo Ball had 24 points, three rebounds and 12 assists. P.J. Washington added 23 points, two rebounds and two assists. Miles Plumlee also had a big game with 17 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists in the Hornets' 138-109 win.

Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo was limited to just nine points and four rebounds. He only played 22 minutes and was rested early due to the big deficit. Bobby Portis had 19 points and 13 rebounds off the bench, while Grayson Allen and Jrue Holiday had 12 points apiece.

Also Read: Charles Barkley says LA Clippers' quick lineup changes due to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George's uncertain status hurts role players

Complete NBA scores for January 6

There were 11 exciting games on Friday night, headlined by the LA Lakers' win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Chicago Bulls continued to play great against better teams, while the OKC Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves had blowout victories.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks earned hard-fought wins. Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns lost their fifth straight game and continued their slide in the standings.

Here are the complete NBA scores for January 6: