Jackie Christie -- I'd Gladly Help My Daughter with Medical Bills ... If She Asks

'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.