A massive $110 million contract extension signed by the Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert was put to the test by the Los Angeles Lakers Rui Hachimura. A stunning dunk from the Japanese small forward got everyone excited. In the second match of the 2024-25 Tip Off, Hachimura just posted Gobert. The reactions are overwhelming X.

“Rui: Congratulations on your contract extension. Here is your gift.” one user tweeted, poking fun at the recently announced huge contract extension of the best defensive player. Another user agreed: “Imagine an MVP season in store for Rui“. That may seem far-fetched, but this is just the beginning of the season, who knows, this tweet could make his effort pay off. One user was in awe of Hachimura, writing: “ We sat down“, the capital letters really show the excitement Hachimura brought to the edge with his deceptive athleticism. One user even went so far as to say: “He’s going to get stuffed by Bronny“. Considering Bronny is a rookie and only being picked in the second round, this comment has to hurt.

Just a few minutes before the Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game, Shams Charania of ESPN announced Gobert’s contract extension. However, a salary cut for 4x DPOY provides some relief from the luxury tax paid by the Wolves. It might be a pay cut, but it is in no way less. $110 million for three years isn’t bad in any way.

The deal gives Gobert more security for his future as the 32-year-old star advances his career. Gobert declined his $46.6 million player option for next season and will remain with the Wolves through the 27-28 season. The center is expected to make $43.8 million this season, with his contract extension beginning through the 2025-26 season. However, he will have a player option after the second year of the new contract.

Was dunked and then blocked. Rudy Gobert can’t catch a break

Shortly after being tackled by Hachimura, the Wolves center was attempting a shot when he was embarrassed again by the Japanese. “Amd was blocked by him *laughing emoji*” tweeted one user, the misfortune for Gobert continued. It wasn’t all. He was blocked again by Anthony Davis. Davis knocked down a dunk attempt from Gobert, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He finishes with Gobert for the DPOY and denying him a shot must have felt so satisfying. Another user, likely a Wolves fan, said “NO NO NO GOBER” when responding to Gobert’s ad blocking. “This was a personal matter lol… Publicity on both sides much better than go fraud“This user even went so far as to call the 4x DPOY a scam and praised AD for both its offense and defense.

“This is for the French Olympics game. Slut ass referee and Pepe le Pieux fuck. I hope RUI HURT HIM MORE.” With that, he released his pent-up frustration about the Olympics and was satisfied that Gobert didn’t have such a good game. “As soon as RUI was eliminated, the offense stagnated,” said one tweet in response to Hachimura blocking Gobert. It’s true that the Lakers slowed down a bit, but they had built a huge lead early on. They led by 19 points in the first half. The Lakers led by 13 points at halftime.

The Timberwolves committed 15 turnovers in the first three quarters, allowing the Lakers to score 17 points from those mistakes. Still, Minnesota entered the fourth quarter trailing by just eight points. With 10:38 minutes left in the game, the Timberwolves reduced their deficit to four points and trailed the Lakers 85:81. However, the Lakers quickly responded with a 6-0 run and extended their lead to ten points at 91-81 with 8:36 left.

But that wasn’t enough, the Lakers benefited from extending their lead early and changing gears when necessary. The final score was: Lakers 110 – Timberwolves 103.