Clippers’ Search Taking Shape : Pro basketball: They reportedly have six candidates, including Jim Lynam, who coached team in early ‘80s, and Lenny Wilkens, current coach of the Cavaliers.

The Clippers, beginning their latest coaching search by again steering clear of candidates with backgrounds as assistants or on the collegiate level, have established a preliminary list of six people they will consider, sources said Friday.

Four will become definite candidates to replace Larry Brown, who resigned Thursday, if the interest is mutual, including former Clipper coach Jim Lynam. The others are Lenny Wilkens, Del Harris and Gene Littles.

Two possible candidates are Doug Collins and Bob Weiss.

The Clippers refused to comment on the matter.

A rundown of the candidates:

--Wilkens. Coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who many feel will quit or be fired soon. As of late Friday, the Clippers had not asked the Cavaliers for permission to talk with the NBA’s second-winningest coach.

--Lynam. General manager of the Philadelphia 76ers. He coached the Clippers in 1983-84 and ‘84-85.

--Harris. Has nine years experience as an NBA head coach, most recently with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1991-92.

--Littles. Has only 1 1/2 years experience as a head coach, with the Charlotte Hornets, but is respected by the Clippers. Now an assistant in Denver.

--Collins. Former coach of the Chicago Bulls and current television analyst.

--Weiss. Recently fired as coach of the Atlanta Hawks.