Larsa Pippen recently addressed her past relationship with NBA player Malik Beasley during an appearance on The Jason Lee Show, attributing her actions to “COVID brain” as she was isolated at home. The relationship, which lasted from November 2020 to April 2021, has resurfaced in public discourse largely because Beasley is a teammate of Pippen’s son, Scotty Pippen Jr., in the NBA. This connection stirred discomfort among fans and drew sharp criticism from the hip-hop community. The awkwardness stemmed not only from the relationship itself but also from the defensive and somewhat questionable explanation Larsa offered for her choices.
Despite Larsa’s claim that she had been stuck at home and was seeking connection, many found her reasoning unconvincing. The fact that she dated a teammate of her son complicated matters further, especially since Pippen has previously faced backlash for relationships involving children of basketball players connected to her family. Veteran rappers Cam’ron and Mase, in particular, vocally criticized her rationale on their podcast Come And Talk 2 Me, rejecting it as a poor excuse and taking aim at the perceived family and moral implications.
Rappers question the propriety and consequences of Larsa Pippen’s dating choices
Cam’ron openly challenged Larsa’s explanation, calling it “a cheap cop-out” while highlighting the oddity of her consistently dating basketball players. He stated:
“She was giving COVID brain. That’s what she was doing… Why you keep going around just scouting basketball players for years… To me, it’s more embarrassing as a mother. Your son is in the NBA… He was on the team with a player that you [were involved with]…” —Cam’ron, Rapper
Mase joined the critique by calling the situation “embarrassing” and posed a stark comparison to illustrate his point. He asked listeners to imagine a father dating a teammate of his daughter, suggesting such an act would generate outrage and have serious social consequences. Both rappers emphasized how Larsa’s relationship dynamics could be seen as inappropriate given the family connections, underscoring the public discomfort that has surrounded her choices.
The resurfacing of Larsa and Beasley’s brief romance, which became publicly known after the couple was spotted holding hands at a Miami mall, reignited debate especially because their connection overlapped with Scotty Pippen Jr.’s professional basketball career alongside Beasley. Larsa insists that interactions among the family and Beasley remained civil despite the past relationship, but the renewed scrutiny reveals wider questions about boundaries within intertwined social and professional circles.
Mase’s past criticism over Larsa’s relationship with Marcus Jordan adds context
The scrutiny of Larsa’s personal relationships is not new. In February 2025, news broke of her split with Marcus Jordan, son of basketball legend Michael Jordan, following a year of dating. Like with Beasley, this relationship also drew significant public attention and criticism, including from Mase, who was vocal on his It Is What It Is podcast analyzing RHOM-related drama.
Following their breakup, social media activity between Larsa and Marcus showed mutual unfollows and removal of joint photos, with no official statements released. Larsa’s Instagram Stories featured reflective and cryptic messages about the importance of the partner one chooses and how it influences many facets of life, including mental health and parenting. She wrote:
“The man you choose to be your partner affects everything in your life. Your mental health, your peace of mind, your love inside you, your happiness, how you get through tragedies, your successes, how your children will be raised, and much more. Choose wisely.” —Larsa Pippen, RHOM star
Mase criticized Larsa’s decisions considering her role as a mother and her past marriage to Scotty Pippen Sr. He bluntly rebuked her on the podcast:
“You’re the adult… What are you talking about? Ain’t you Scotty’s ex-wife? Now you are mad with the Pippens & the Jordans… My opinion is you were taking advantage of this… Stop embarrassing your children.” —Mase, Rapper
He reinforced his concerns by reminding Larsa of her responsibilities and maturity:
“Larsa, you gotta stop this. You’re not 21. You’re not Lori Harvey.” —Mase, Rapper
Alongside Mase, Cam’ron cautioned young suitors about falling for similar situations, stating: “Don’t be the next sucker.” Their comments reflect a broader frustration regarding Larsa’s personal choices and the perceived impact on her children’s public perception and wellbeing.
The public debate over Larsa Pippen’s personal life and its broader implications
This ongoing scrutiny raises important questions about the boundary between private decisions and public spectacle, especially when family connections intersect with high-profile sports circles. Fans and commentators continue to debate whether Larsa’s relationships are her personal business or if they cross lines that affect her family and public image.
Larsa Pippen’s involvement with Malik Beasley, compounded by her son Scotty Pippen Jr.’s NBA association with him, has intensified discussions about propriety within interconnected athletic and celebrity worlds. The responses from respected voices like Cam’ron and Mase suggest that these relationships are viewed through a lens of ethical responsibility and parental accountability.
As the conversation evolves, how Larsa navigates future relationships and public perception may have implications for her reputation, her children’s experiences, and public attitudes toward similar situations mixing family and professional spheres. This debate highlights the challenges celebrities face in balancing private lives with the scrutiny of fans and media, especially within communities invested in sports and popular culture.