Marcus Smart's been the biggest Lakers X-factor all year, as Houston found out in Game 3

The Houston Rockets were 27.8 seconds from getting back into their Western Conference quarterfinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers, having overcome a 15-point first-half deficit.But like moviegoers waiting for an MCU post-credit scene, Lakers guard Marcus Smart was hanging around in case the perturbed Rockets wanted to donate a clutch time game in Choke City. Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr., an unnatural ball handler, felt sped up as the Houston bench was imploring him to get the ball across half court. Smart was the only defender in the backcourt, but as Smith lofted a pass to Amen Thompson, Smart intercepted the lollipop.Advertisement