Larsa Pippen, the 51-year-old star of Real Housewives of Miami, is basking in the glow of her new romance with professional basketball player Jeff Coby, 31. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Larsa opened up about her blossoming relationship, her hopes for an engagement, and her ongoing feud with co-star Lisa Hochstein and her boyfriend, Jody Glidden. She also didn’t hold back on subtle digs at her ex, Marcus Jordan, highlighting how Jeff stands out as the better match.
A New Love with Family at Its Core
Larsa’s relationship with Jeff has been a refreshing change for the reality star, who described a heartwarming moment that solidified her feelings for him. “The other day, I FaceTimed him when he was at his parents’ house, and he was teaching his niece how to multiply, and I thought, ‘That is so sweet,’” she shared. “That’s why this is my guy, because he’s just so family-oriented and just so kind, and I just feel like he’s my guy. He just has all the qualities that I really love.”
Unlike her highly publicized breakup with Marcus Jordan, Larsa initially kept her romance with Jeff under wraps. “I didn’t want to share it with the world, but now I’m in a place where we get along really well, we basically do everything together, and so now we’re more open,” she explained. “But I think the first few months, I feel like we were together every day and just did very normal things, and nobody even knew that we were together.”
Engagement on the Horizon?
The couple has already started dropping hints about taking their relationship to the next level. Larsa revealed that she and Jeff have discussed getting engaged, with Jeff probing for details about her dream ring. “He’s been asking me what shaped stones I like, so I’ve been giving him little hints,” she said with a smile. “We haven’t really talked about [how] I like the brilliant cut or an oval … I feel like those are really cute.” With their chemistry stronger than ever, Larsa feels confident they’re “on a really good path right now.”
A Strong Bond with Her Kids
One of the standout aspects of Larsa’s relationship with Jeff is his connection with her children, a stark contrast to their dynamic with her ex, Marcus. “[My kids and Jeff] have the best relationship,” Larsa gushed. “They play board games. They love to hang out. They talk basketball.” She highlighted how Jeff bonds with her son, Scotty Pippen Jr., who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. “We talk to Scotty after every game, and we go through what happened during the game,” she said. “I feel like [Jeff is] very normal, and him around my family is just an easy place for us.”
Shading Lisa Hochstein and Jody Glidden
Larsa didn’t shy away from addressing the drama that’s been brewing on Real Housewives of Miami. Her feud with Lisa Hochstein intensified after Lisa’s boyfriend, Jody Glidden, was seen hanging out with Marcus Jordan, who spoke negatively about Larsa post-breakup. The tension has carried over into the new season, and Larsa used her interview to throw some pointed shade at the couple.
“I feel like it’s a man’s job to make you and your friends feel safe if they’re not in a great relationship or whatnot,” she said, clearly referencing Jody’s decision to spend time with Marcus. “I just feel like I’m not used to having friends like Lisa or her relationship with her boyfriend. I don’t know. Because I’m dating Jeff, and if one of my friends was to break up, he would never be like, ‘Oh, I want to hang out with this guy that’s bashing her.’ He’d be like, ‘No, let’s go to dinner. Let me make sure that I take care of you, and I make sure that you feel good.’”
Celebrating in Style
Larsa recently marked her 51st birthday in high spirits, surrounded by Jeff and close friends at an elegant restaurant. The celebration was a testament to her happiness in this new chapter, both personally and romantically. As she navigates her love life and ongoing drama on Real Housewives of Miami, Larsa remains unapologetically herself—fiercely loyal to those she loves and unafraid to call out those who cross her.