In race for MVP, James gets their votes

Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, that is the question confronting voters for this season’s NBA most valuable player. James is the front-runner and last week received four votes of approval -- a clean sweep -- from TNT’s NBA studio crew.

“It’s an easy pick,” Kenny Smith said. “ . . . LeBron James has squeezed all the talent out of himself and his teammates; he’s made everyone better. He’s gotten 66 wins, the best record in basketball.”

Chris Webber: “Kobe is the best player, but this is LeBron James’ league starting now and forever more. He is the first player in sports that has exceeded all the hype; he gets better and [he is] my MVP.

Charles Barkley: “LeBron James. When he came into the NBA, I didn’t think he could live up to the hype, but he excelled past the hype. Kobe Bryant, you’re in the front seat, but this boy is right behind you; he is unbelievable.”

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Trivia time

Which was the last NHL team to fold?

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Welcome to the club

Barkley said he was happy to hear that TBS has hired David Wells as a baseball analyst.

“I’m so glad we hired him. Somebody fatter than me,” Barkley said.

Ernie Johnson: “I don’t know about that; I was in the studio with him a few weeks ago and I don’t know if that’s true or not.”

Barkley: “I’ve seen him in high definition. He’s fat.”

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Just bring back the 1970s, baby

What next for John Madden, who on Thursday announced his retirement from broadcasting?

Would you believe . . . a return to the Oakland Raiders?

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle addressed the speculation that Al Davis would hire Madden in some front-office capacity.

“Raiders owner Al Davis once vowed to hire someone with local ties to help run the football side of things, someone with a recognizable name in these parts.

“Maybe that mystery hire will be John Madden, now that the former Raiders coach is leaving the television broadcast booth. . . .

“If Davis could bring back Art Shell for a second coaching tour, there’s no reason to think Madden can’t rejoin the payroll as a right-hand man. Let the Madden Bus Watch begin.”

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Trivia answer

The Cleveland Barons, in 1978. The team was formerly known as the California Seals, the Oakland Seals and the California Golden Seals.

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And finally

Oregon football Coach Chip Kelly, to the Eugene Register-Guard, saying he’s no fan of Twitter: “Who cares what I had for breakfast? . . . You think a recruit’s going to come to Oregon because I ate Oreos?”

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mike.penner@latimes.com