EXCLUSIVE

‘Basketball Wives‘ star Jackie Christie says she did NOT refuse to pay for her granddaughter’s medical bills after the child was badly burned in a daycare accident … and says she’s more than willing to help. 

Jackie’s been taking heat ever since her estranged daughter, Takari, set up a GoFundMe page last month to raise $3,000 to help pay for treatment for her 8-month-old daughter. 

Takari said she was suffering serious financial hardships and was having a hard time finding the money to get her kid the proper help. 

Matt Barnes and Evelyn Lozada reportedly kicked in more than $3,000 each — but people are mad at Jackie, claiming she should have paid for everything in the first place. 

But Jackie tells TMZ Sports … Takari has cut HER off and never reached out for help in the first place. Had she called, Jackie says she would have been more than willing to fork over a check. 

Jackie also says she’s given Takari a ton of money over the years and she should be more than able to cover a $3,000 bill. She feels Takari went public with the money plea to try to embarrass Jackie. 

Long story short … Jackie says if Takari truly needs help, pick up the phone and call your mother.