The Ultimate Breakdown: 5 Shocking Truths About Tom And Lala's 'Dating' Life—Is It Sandoval Or Schwartz?

The question of "Tom and Lala dating" is one of the most persistent and confusing rumors to ever swirl around the Vanderpump Rules universe, especially in the wake of the infamous Scandoval. As of December 2025, the reality is far more complex than a simple romance, involving two different "Toms" and a history of animosity and unexpected reconciliation. While a romantic relationship between Lala Kent and either Tom Sandoval or Tom Schwartz has been explicitly denied by those involved, recent events, "soft launches," and surprising shifts in allegiance have kept the dating speculation alive and well among fans, making the current status a hot topic for the 2025 season.

The term "Tom and Lala" has become a lightning rod for drama, with the most recent dating rumors in mid-2024 involving Tom Schwartz, while the most sensational speculation still centers on the possibility of a shocking pairing between Lala Kent and her former arch-nemesis, Tom Sandoval. This deep dive cuts through the gossip to reveal the fresh, verified details on their current, complicated relationships.

Detailed Profile: The Key Players in the 'Tom and Lala' Saga

To understand the complex web of relationships and rumors, it is essential to first know the key figures who make up the "Tom and Lala" pairing.

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Lala Kent (Lauren Elyse Burningham)

• Full Name: Lauren Elyse Burningham
• Known As: Lala Kent
• Date of Birth: September 2, 1990
• Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Career: Reality Television Personality (Vanderpump Rules), Author, Entrepreneur (Give Them Lala Beauty, Give Them Lala Skin), Podcaster
• Key Relationships: Former fiancé Randall Emmett (separated October 2021). She is a mother of two daughters, the second of whom she welcomed via a sperm donor in September 2024.
• Current Status: Single, focused on motherhood and her businesses.

Tom Sandoval (Thomas Sandoval)

• Full Name: Tom Sandoval
• Date of Birth: July 7, 1983
• Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
• Career: Reality Television Personality (Vanderpump Rules, The Traitors), Restaurateur (co-owner of Schwartz & Sandy's), Musician (lead singer of Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras)
• Key Relationships: Long-term relationship with Kristen Doute, followed by a nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix (ended March 2023 due to the "Scandoval" affair with Rachel Leviss).

Tom Schwartz (Thomas William Schwartz)

• Full Name: Thomas William Schwartz
• Date of Birth: October 16, 1982
• Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota
• Career: Reality Television Personality (Vanderpump Rules), Restaurateur (co-owner of Schwartz & Sandy's and TomTom)
• Key Relationships: Married to Katie Maloney (2016-2022).
• Current Status: Has revealed he is dating someone new as of late 2024.

The Real 'Tom and Lala' Dating Rumors: Schwartz Edition

The most recent and concrete rumors about a "Tom and Lala" dating scenario actually involved Tom Schwartz and Lala Kent, not Sandoval. This speculation gained significant traction in mid-2024, leading to widespread media coverage and fan frenzy.

The 'Soft Launch' That Fooled Everyone

The rumors were primarily ignited by a series of playful social media posts. Lala Kent shared a "soft launch" photo that appeared to feature Schwartz, which was a clear nod to the dating speculation that had been quietly building. This move was quickly picked up by gossip outlets, with one source even alleging that the two were "actually together" and frequently seen at a local bistro.

However, the truth was far less dramatic. Both Schwartz and Kent, along with other cast members like Scheana Shay, quickly denied any romantic involvement. The "soft launch" was reportedly a deliberate, tongue-in-cheek move by the two friends to poke fun at the intense scrutiny and constant rumors surrounding their lives post-Scandoval. They are simply close friends, and their bond was strong enough to spark the romance chatter.

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Lala’s Clear Relationship Status

Lala Kent has been unequivocal about her current relationship status. She welcomed her second child, a daughter named Sosa, in September 2024 via a sperm donor, and has repeatedly stated that her plate is full. She has expressed that she does not "want a relationship" right now, prioritizing her role as a single mother of two. This definitive stance puts a clear end to any genuine dating rumors involving her and Tom Schwartz.

The Sensational Speculation: Tom Sandoval and Lala Kent's Shocking Reconciliation

While the Schwartz rumors were the most recent, the true curiosity factor lies in the possibility of a romantic link between Tom Sandoval and Lala Kent, a pairing that would have been unimaginable just a year prior. Lala was one of Sandoval's fiercest critics during the Scandoval aftermath, but their relationship has undergone a surprising, complex transformation in 2024 and 2025.

From Arch-Rivals to Unexpected Allies

Lala Kent and Tom Sandoval have a history of explosive confrontations, with Lala often calling out Sandoval's behavior and perceived narcissism. However, in the months following the Scandoval fallout, a shift occurred. By March 2024, Lala publicly stated that she was giving Tom Sandoval a "second chance," indicating a willingness to move past the intense animosity and perhaps work toward a functional relationship within their shared social and professional circle.

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This reconciliation is strictly platonic and professional, but it has fueled fan theories about a potential power-couple alliance. The logic behind the fan speculation is rooted in the dramatic nature of reality television: a romantic pairing between the two most outspoken and fiery personalities, after a period of bitter rivalry, would be the ultimate, shocking twist.

Lala's Hope for Sandoval's 'Growth'

Lala's current relationship with Sandoval is best described as cautiously supportive, yet distant. She has publicly expressed her hope that Sandoval has been able to "move on" from the fallout of his 2023 cheating scandal. This sentiment suggests a desire for him to show genuine growth and reflection, something she previously criticized him for lacking.

Key entities that define their current non-romantic relationship include:

• Second Chance: Lala's decision to re-engage with Sandoval post-Scandoval.
• Narcissism: Lala's past and present criticisms of his personality traits.
• Scandoval: The central event that redefined all relationships in the group.
• Reconciliation: The fragile, new dynamic between them.
• Growth: Lala's expectation for Sandoval's personal development.

The Definitive 2025 Verdict on 'Tom and Lala' Dating

The persistent rumors of "Tom and Lala" dating are a testament to the audience's desire for shocking, high-stakes drama within the Vanderpump Rules cast. However, the definitive truth for late 2024 and 2025 is clear: Lala Kent is not dating either Tom Sandoval or Tom Schwartz.

The Tom Schwartz rumors were a brief, playful misunderstanding, with both parties confirming they are just good friends. Schwartz is now dating someone new, and Lala is focused on her family and career.

The Tom Sandoval speculation, while highly sensational, is based on a complex, platonic reconciliation. Lala has moved from being his most vocal opponent to a wary acquaintance, a shift driven by a desire for peace and perhaps a shared professional future, not romance. For now, the only relationship Lala is truly committed to is the one she has with her children and her successful business ventures, leaving all the "Tom and Lala" dating rumors firmly in the realm of fan fiction and reality TV fantasy.

LSI Keywords and Entities: Vanderpump Rules, Tom Sandoval, Lala Kent, Tom Schwartz, Scandoval, dating rumors, relationship status, Give Them Lala, TomTom, Schwartz & Sandy's, Ariana Madix, Rachel Leviss, Katie Maloney, single mother, second chance, reconciliation, soft launch, Lauryn Kent, reality television.