Evelyn Lozada was all set to leave "Basketball Wives" and not return for the show's fourth season -- until the show offered her a deal she just couldn't turn down ... which includes her own spin-off show.

As previously reported, Evelyn had made up her mind that she was done with the show for good after VH1 posted a blog insinuating she cheated on her husband, NFL star Chad Ochocinco.

Once Evelyn let producers know she was out, that's when we're told they really made a push to keep her.

According to our sources, her new arrangement with the show has her shooting about half as often (but with a raise) and that she can work around her daughter's school schedule. We're also told Evelyn has made it clear ... she will not miss any of Chad's games.

But according to our sources, the final carrot that sealed the deal ... was that VH1 promised to spin off Evelyn and Chad into their own show. We're told that show would document the months leading up to their wedding ... but so far no deal to shoot the wedding has been made.

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Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton may have thought being charged with murder was the worst thing that could have happened to him this year ... until someone stole his $6,000 Gucci jacket.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Crittenton -- who's still out on bail for allegedly shooting a woman to death back in August -- was hanging out at Drai's nightclub in Hollywood last weekend ... when he decided to put his jacket down and didn't keep an eye on it.

We're told Crittenton went to grab his jacket on his way out of the club around 1:00 AM ... when he discovered it was MISSING!!

Crittenton -- who went MIA for a few days after he was charged with murder -- decided this time, he would seek out the police ...and reported the theft to the LAPD.

We're told cops are investigating the alleged jacket heist.

If Javaris replaces the jacket, he may want to get it in orange.

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Shaquille O'Neal couldn't power his way through the lane at a New York nightclub this weekend -- getting TURNED AWAY at the door ... all because he was dressed like a lumberjack.

ET has learned ... Shaq rolled up to nightclub/restaurant Mars 2112 on Saturday night wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, tennis shoes and a beanie (pictured above with random fan).

But according to the club promoter, Mike Mogul, Shaq's attire wasn't up to club standards ... so security politely informed the retired NBA star that he would not be allowed inside.

Sources at the club tell us Shaq calmly replied, "Are you serious?" ... then shrugged his shoulders and walked down the street to another place that welcomed The Diesel with open arms.

The move is pretty damn shocking, considering TONS of clubs would pay some serious jack to get Shaq to stop by, no matter what he was wearing!!

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