Lachlan Olbrich Signs One-Year Contract With Tokyo Alvark

Lachlan Olbrich, who spent last season with the Bulls on a two-way contract, informed ESPN’s Olgun Uluc that he has signed a one-year deal with Tokyo Alvark in Japan’s B.League Premier.

The Australian center/forward will be one of the league’s highest-paid overseas players this season, sources tell Uluc, although terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. He will play for new head coach Ryan Richman, who has a reputation as one of the best young coaches who’s not currently in the NBA, according to Uluc.

“We’re extremely excited to add a player of Lachlan’s caliber to our program,” Richman said. “He’s the ultimate connector; someone who makes everyone around him better. He plays with tremendous energy and toughness on both ends of the floor, and we believe that competitive spirit will be contagious throughout our group.

“What makes Lachlan even more exciting is that he’s still so young, and he’s chosen a different path to pursue his goals. He’s already gained valuable experience, and we believe there’s so much more growth ahead of him. Most importantly, he’s a winner. We can’t wait to win together, grow together, and help him continue on that path toward his ultimate goal of making it back to the NBA.”

Olbrich was selected with the 55th pick in 2025 and sent from the Lakers to Chicago in a draft night trade. He appeared in 37 NBA games last season, averaging 2.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 9.3 minutes per night. He also spent time with the Windy City Bulls in the G League, where he posted 19.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 18 games.

Olbrich became a free agent when the season ended and played for the Warriors during Summer League. There was some speculation that he might be in the mix for a two-way deal with Golden State, but he opted to take the guaranteed money in Japan with the hope of eventually returning to the NBA. He also had “substantial interest” from teams in Europe, according to Uluc.

“I think the biggest thing for me is continuing to show my shooting ability and proving I can do it consistently at a high level,” Olbrich said. “I know I’ve got the capability so now it’s about getting out to Tokyo and showing it every night, to prove I can be a consistent threat from the three.”