Carmelo and La La Anthony
Carmelo and La La Anthony married in 2010 and the couple share 10-year-old son Kiyan. reuters

Amid rumours of split between Carmelo and La La Anthony, TMZ has claimed a mystery woman might be responsible for the NBA star's marriage troubles.

The website claimed the professional basketball player was previously involved with a dancer, who now says she is more than six months pregnant with Carmelo's baby. The alleged lover of the New York Knicks star is said to be working at a gentleman's club in NYC, according to the report.

The woman has reportedly also demanded the 32-year-old athlete pay for medical and other expenses.

While rumours of troubles in Carmelo and La La Anthony's marriage are not new, the alleged pregnancy is believed to have ultimately triggered their split.

Earlier, it was reported that the Knicks star and the former MTV VJ have been living apart following an "extremely stressful" season for the NBA star, which is believed to have taken a toll on their marriage.

In the light of this recent split, sources claim that Carmelo's estranged wife is confiding in her long-time friend Kim Kardashian.

"La La is crushed that her marriage is ending and has been leaning on Kim," a source told Hollywood Life shedding light on the aftermath of the split. "Kim has been great about listening to La La cry over the breakup [with Carmelo] and the effect on their son [Kiyan] and family."

"Kim has really been a rock in this difficult time," the gossip site quoted the source.

The reality star's friendship with Alani Nicole "La La" Anthony came to light during the Paris robbery incident, when Kardashian's close friends rushed to be by her side. In the aftermath of the robbery, it was the 37-year-old TV personality who supported the Kardashian as she recuperated from the horrific experience.

"She's one of my best friends so, best friend rule. I'm not gonna say too much, but I support her, I love her and I'm always here for her no matter what," the actress had said at the time about the KUWTK star.

It seems Kardashian is returning the favour. "Now Kim is getting to play the role of supportive friend," Hollywood Life reports.

Carmelo and La La married in 2010 and the couple share 10-year-old son Kiyan.