WNBA Star Candace Parker -- Accused of Threatening ... MALE College Student

WNBA superstar Candace Parker is being investigated in L.A. after allegedly threatening to beat up a male college student ... though one source close to the situation tells TMZ Sports Parker never threatened anyone.

Here's what we know ... the 6'4" L.A. Sparks player was involved in a minor car accident on Tuesday with a 5'7" student named Andrew near the campus of L.A. Southwest College.

The California Highway Patrol was called to the scene and a report was taken. But roughly an hour later, Candace and Andrew had another encounter around the campus gym where Candace and the L.A. Sparks practice.

According to campus police, a verbal altercation went down between the two sides ... and Andrew claims Candace threatened to kick his ass.

Andrew tells TMZ Sports he's worried about retaliation -- "I don't know what she's capable of."

One source close to the situation tells us ... Candace never made any threats during the encounter.

Campus police investigated the incident and kicked the matter over to the L.A. County District Attorney -- who will decide whether or not to pursue charges against Candace.