Dancing with the Stars

Dallas Mavericks star Shawn Marion isn't taking any chances with the NBA lockout -- in fact, he just turned down "Dancing with the Stars" ... to make sure he's free to practice with his team this fall.

Sources close to Shawn tell TMZ, "Dancing" sent him an official offer to appear on the show, but the NBA champ wants to make sure he's 100% available in case the lockout ends early ... so it's a no go.

"Dancing" would end in November and NBA season usually starts in October -- which could put Marion in a difficult position if the upcoming season isn't put on ice.

Another member of the Kardashian Klan has agreed to compete on the next season of "Dancing with the Stars" TMZ has learned ... but it ain't Khloe ... or Kourtney ... or Kris -- it's a dude!

Multiple sources confirm ... Rob Kardashian is officially on board -- despite concerns about the "Dancing" schedule conflicting with Kim's super MEGA wedding in August. We're told the two sides addressed the issue and hammered out a plan -- and Rob signed on the dotted line.

Nothing's official yet -- but sources tell us, both Artest and "Dancing" producers have been in touch to hash out a possible deal ... and Ron's pretty excited about the prospect.

But here's the catch -- "Dancing" won't end 'til November and basketball season typically starts in October ... which means if the lockout ends early, Ron could be S.O.L.

Sources connected to the show tell TMZ ... producers are under direct orders to find "more high profile" people than in the past seasons ... after booking a string of D-listers like The Situation, Kate Gosselin, Audrina Patridge, Jake Pavelka and Holly Madison.

In order to lock down the BIG names, we're told producers are offering A-listers complete control over their rehearsal schedule -- telling them there's NO minimum rehearsal requirements ... and they can practice as little or as much as they want.

Celebs will also have final say on music selections and costume design ... including colors, cuts and styles.

Sources connected to the show tell us ... "Dancing" producers love the idea of having Evelyn on the show -- especially since she's engaged to Chad who was a previous contestant.

We're told the show is even hoping to involve Mr. Ochocinco ... since he's now an expert in the ways of the ballroom.

So far ... no comment from the show.

Mark has been hitting the ballroom floor with Kim and her fiance Kris Humphries in preparation for their GARGANTUAN wedding ... where the couple plans on performing a waltz for their first dance.

We're told K&K have been practicing up a storm over the last few weeks -- but Kris "is a perfectionist" when it comes to his footwork and has INSISTED on more training.

Kim and Kris have tried to throw some cash at Ballas for all of his help, but the "Dancing with the Stars" pro -- who was just nominated for an Emmy -- simply won't take payment from his former celebrity partner.

The 26-year-old showed off his pumped up pecs and biceps by going shirtless in L.A. on Wednesday.

Tens across the board.

According to DeKalb police, Ward was stopped about 2:30 AM on Buford Highway after an officer spotted his Aston Martin failing to maintain lane and hitting a curb.Ward reportedly failed a field sobriety test and refused to take a breathalyzer test.

Strap on your rhinestone pants ... 'cause this one's about to get NASTY!!!

Ballas has just been hit with a summons to appear in L.A. County Small Claims Court -- because Ace PR claims the "Dancing with the Stars" pro never forked over $2,637.75 he owed the company after he fired them back in September.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Ace claims Ballas agreed to pay them a "30 day termination fee" when he signed his contract ... which is basically severance pay.

But sources close to Ballas tell us ... the dancer believes he doesn't owe Ace a dime, because they breached the contract by doing such a terrible job.

Ballas and Ace PR are set to face off in small claims court on July 8.

Stay tuned ...

Hopefully the marriage lasts longer than Kim's stint on "Dancing with the Stars."

They both scored a perfect 10.

According to her rep, Kym -- who was paired with Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward on the show -- got checked out by doctors for "precautionary reasons."

Johnson -- who's paired up with Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward -- took a nasty spill while rehearsing with the NFLer for an upcoming show.

According to her rep, Johnson was taken to an L.A. area hospital for "precautionary measures to assure she is OK."