The Kardashians

TMZ has learned exactly how the love story between Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom began -- and it all started with a bar tab around $3,000.

It all went down on August 27th, when Khloe was hosting a "Welcome to LA" party for brand new Laker, Ron Artest, at Halo in Hollywood.

Khloe ran up one hell of a bill that night ... and for some reason, Lamar decided to cover the whole thing -- after all, cash money is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

A source extremely close to Khloe confirmed the whole story, telling us, "At first, she wasn't going to do the event ... but she literally met her husband there. And yes, he paid for everything."

The other guests better hurry up and get the other cheap stuff soon -- or they'll be stuck buying that ridiculous $500 margarita machine.

Check out the gallery to see all the incredible items -- including a kick-ass set of measuring spoons -- the brand new couple is gonna get.

Kobe Bryant will be front and center at the Lamar Odom/Khloe Kardashian nuptials this Sunday ... which means Vanessa and her $4 million ring may have a few pointers for the bride.

In fact, Lamar's rep tells TMZ all the players are planning to attend, but there are still a few question marks. Several have not RSVP'd -- Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar.

Can't blame the non-committals ... it is last minute, after all.

TMZ has learned Joe Francis is hosting Lamar's swan song to bachelorhood tomorrow at Les Deux nightclub in Hollywood. It will be a formal affair ... with stripper poles and "midgets."

Here's the good news -- Khloe's brother Rob will be there to keep an eye on Lamar ... unless he's distracted by the midgets and stripper poles.

As TMZ previously reported, the couple just registered at Williams-Sonoma yesterday -- and the gifts they're hoping for include a $100 panini press, $200 waffle maker and even a $400 deep fryer.

But the crown jewel of the registry: The $500 Premium Margaritaville Trio Frozen Concoction Maker -- a blender that can make three different pitchers of drinks ... at the same time.

Sure, they're all great presents in theory -- but the only things purchased so far have been a set of bowls and some measuring spoons.

Wedding etiquette states you get up to a year from the big day to give a gift. Our suggestion: Wait a couple months, see if this one lasts.

Sources close to the situation tell us every member of Lamar's team got an invite to the "secret" wedding -- including Kobe Bryant. We're also told all of the Lakers coaches were invited to the event.

Don't go blaming the Khloe Kardashian-Lamar Odom whirlwind wedding on the bride -- TMZ has learned this whole thing was Lamar's idea.

Sources close to the situation tell us it was Odom who was putting the rush on the "I do" swapping because the Los Angeles Lakers star wants to tie the knot before his NBA season begins.

Both are known to feature some scary parts.

We're just sayin'.

TMZ has learned Khloe Kardashian underwent a minor surgical procedure early this morning to remove a potentially cancerous mole from her body.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ, "Khloe was at her dermatologist for a mole removal ... she has a history of skin cancer and got one removed today."

It takes an act of violence to get Kim to do chores.

One day after someone opened a can of spray paint on their Miami Beach clothing store, someone hit the other "DASH" location in Calabasas, California -- marking the shop with the same "GUK" graffiti.

The taggers also scribbled a note, "We love you Kim!"

Cops are investigating the situation.

Story developing ...

We've learned Dash, the new South Florida boutique, owned by Kim and her two sisters has been defaced just before the grand opening tomorrow.

Blondes do have more buns.