Sounds like J-Lo and beau's romance hits a big low

Casper Smart and Jennifer Lopez in happier times.

“I have to say, this has lasted a lot longer than I thought it would,” said a longtime Jennifer Lopez associate Wednesday — commenting on the growing rumors that J-Lo and here boyfriend, Casper Smart, reportedly are close to ending their almost two-year relationship.

The three-time divorced Lopez and her dancer/choreographer beau have been observed lately arguing frequently and several sources close to the entertainer said Wednesday that the end was imminent — if not already there — for the couple’s relationship.

While spokesfolks for both Lopez and Smart have not commented, it seems this appears to be another case of high-profile show business types pulled apart by the pressures of their busy lives. A bit of a complication, noted by one Lopez source: “This will be sad for Jennifer’s twins. Max and Emme are crazy about Casper.”

Smart initially connected with Lopez when he worked as a backup dancer for her on “American Idol,” to which she returns this winter as a judge, once again.

†Another talented dancer and choregrapher, Derek Hough, of “Dancing With the Stars” fame, has already split with actress and model Nina Dobrev. Only dating for six weeks, they duo reportedly have decided they are better off as “just friends,” rather than as lovers. Us Weekly also reports distance may have been a factor. Hough, of course, is busy working on DWTS in Los Angeles. Dobrev is down in Atlanta, filming “The Vampire Diaries.”

Dobrev got to know Hough through her friend and Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough.