Was O.J. Mayo Snakebit by the Black Mamba?

It was all going so well, till Kobe showed up.

O.J. Mayo was having a fine season for a playoff-contending team. While his overall numbers are right in line with last season's, there were noticeable improvements in ball-handling, transition scoring, and most-evident, defense. And once the season really got going, Mayo's offense kicked into gear, as well. There was actually debate among Grizzlies fans on who should be getting the big shots down the stretch, O.J. Mayo or Rudy Gay.

And then the Lakers game happened.

Mayo averaged 19.3 points in December and January, shooting 44.7 and 47.2 percent, respectively. He started off slowly but rebounded after the All-Star Break, shooting over 50 percent twice. What's more, early in the month when his percentages were down, his offense looked in rhythm, the shots simply weren't falling. Mayo was ramping up for a strong finish to the month.

Against the Lakers on February 23, Mayo was overshadowed by the return of Kobe Bryant. But lost in that game was the fact that Mayo played extremely well, scoring 25 points and 60% from the field. Even with 5 turnovers, he was a big reason the Grizzles found themselves leading by two with 18.8 seconds left. Mayo was fouled and headed to the line for clinching free throws, where he is an 80% free throw shooter this season.

Clang.

Okay, no problem. It happens. Nail the next one, and you'll at least get overtime at worst.

Clang.

What?

You've all seen the highlights. You know what happened. Bryant made yet another incredible shot at the buzzer, proving why he's the best closer in the game and bluebirds sang and puppies rolled in flowers. But then with one final possession, Mayo, who had been incredible in closing minutes, failed to convert on a game-winner.

And it has not gotten better since. Mayo is averaging 12.6 points on 39 percent (!) shooting. He's shot just under 53 percent from the line. This from a guard who has been nearly automatic. And once you get past the numbers, Mayo just doesn't look right. His shooting motion seems off, he looks fatigued in transition, and he's generally struggled.

Now, OJAM is too good of a player to stay in a slump for long. But it is odd to be able to isolate those missed free throws as a pinpointed start of a slump. Even if you connect his early February difficulties to this slump, you're looking at three games at the beginning of the month when he shot 28 percent, starting with a game against ... the Los Angeles Lakers.

It could be just a weird coincidence. It probably is. There are no ghosts or goblins, curses or spells, and "'X' never marks the spot." It's also possible he suffered an unreported injury during the Lakers game or the game after. But at least on surface, Mayo's having a rough time since being the latest victim of Kobe Bryant's aura.