An NBA talent is set to take his acts to Asia and will join one of Japan's B.League's most promising teams.
Australian forward Lachlan Olbrich will be leaving the Association after signing with Tokyo Alvark in Japan's B.League Premier as their newest import, per Olgun Uluc of ESPN Australia.
Olbrich has agreed to a one-year deal, making him among the highest-paid imports in the Japanese league.
Lachlan Olbrich leaves the NBA to join Japan B.League team
Lachlan Olbrich was the 55th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He was subsequently dealt to the Chicago Bulls.
Olbrich inked a two-way deal as a young talent for the Bulls. Throughout his 2025-26 NBA rookie season, he only appeared in 37 games while averaging 2.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 9.3 minutes.
The 22-year-old seized more playing exposure in the team's G League affiliate. Across 11 games, Olbrich carved impressive numbers of 20.2 points on 60.0 percent shooting along with 8.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
He appeared in the 2026 NBA Summer League for the Golden State Warriors, winning the tournament championship behind the lead of Yaxel Lendeborg.
What motivated Lachlan Olbrich to sign with Tokyo Alvark?
Per Olgun Uluc, Olbrich drew substantial interest in Europe before ultimately joining the Tokyo Alvark, driven by the desire to be managed by new head coach Ryan Richman.
Richman stands as one of the most talented young coaches outside the NBA, having spent 10 years enjoying a coaching rise with the Washington Wizards.
The American left the NBA last year to be the head coach of the SeaHorses Mikawa. He was heavily pursued by Alvark in a major Japan coaching signing this offseason.
"The main thing that made Tokyo Alvark so appealing was getting the chance to work with Ryan Richman," Olbrich said.
"He's got a lot of confidence in my abilities, but also in my potential, so I believe he's going to help put me on the right path to get back to the NBA, which is where I feel I belong. I've always had an interest in the amazing culture and lifestyle in Japan, so I'm excited to now get to experience everything the country and league has to offer."
Tokyo finished their 2025-26 campaign with a strong 41–19 record and captured the 101st Emperor's Cup Championship. However, their postseason run ended in disappointment after suffering an early sweep by Nagasaki Velca in the B.League quarterfinals and placing fourth in the East Asia Super League.