CLIPPERS' FINANCES STUDIED : GROUP THAT RUNS ANAHEIM ARENA TAKING A LOOK AT THE BOOKS.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

The Clippers may not yet be ready for a move to Orange County, but Anaheim Arena representatives are becoming intimately familiar with the NBA franchise's business operations.

Officials for Ogden Entertainment Services, the company that runs Anaheim Arena, have spent this week examining financial records of the Clippers, according to several sources.

Ogden representatives, at least one of whom is an accountant, arrived at the Sports Arena on Monday to review financial statements and projections about how much money the Clippers will make next season. Although the Clippers previously furnished financial documents, Ogden requested conducting its own audit to confirm the information.

The Clippers' acceptance of the audit is viewed by some as a courtesy toward Ogden, since the two sides are no closer to finalizing a deal.

``Just because Ogden comes in, it doesn't mean anything is going to happen,'' said a source close to the situation.

However, the audit could be considered another step toward the Clippers eventual move to Anaheim.

Ogden officials remain pessimistic about luring the franchise to Anaheim Arena.

``I don't know how anything could get done at this late a date,'' said Brad Mayne, general manager of Anaheim Arena.

Mayne said that basketball locker rooms and offices at the arena are just ``concrete'' rooms and must be upgraded if the Clippers moved into the building. In addition, he continues to book concerts and other events that would create scheduling conflicts.

Even if next season were out of the question, Ogden could be continuing the process to lay the groundwork for a move at a future date.

They have prolonged negotiations with the Clippers, because owner Donald Sterling has not formally rejected their recent offer to lease the team for $4 million a season.

Ogden would operate the franchise on a 27-year lease, but Sterling would remain owner. Sterling also would have an escape clause after four years.

Disney, which just completed its takeover of the Angels, would be brought in by Ogden to assist in operations or marketing, a source said.

According to Chris Brienza, an NBA spokesperson, there is not an official deadline for the Clippers to inform the league of their intentions. The league has approved a plan for the Clippers to play up to six regular-season games in Anaheim.

``There are no new deadlines,'' Brienza said.

But the lack of a firm announcement by the Clippers has fueled speculation about a possible move.

Clippers employees were informed by upper management that the club would remain at the Sports Arena next season, but the presence of Ogden officials this week demonstrates that negotiations have not been completely shut off.

Of course, no one other than Sterling actually knows where the franchise will end up next season.

Pat Lynch, general manager of the Sports Arena and Coilseum, said he has placed the Clippers on the June 5 Coliseum Commission agenda. Lynch said he needs to know by then if the Clippers will return, because of possible scheduling difficulties.

Clippers spokesman Joe Safety could not be reached for comment.