Lachlan Olbrich Does It All as Chicago Bulls Overcome Milwaukee Bucks—The Aussie Big Man Builds His Rising NBA Resume

In a game that demanded grit, balance, and a player willing to shoulder multiple responsibilities, Lachlan Olbrich rose to the occasion for the Chicago Bulls. With a versatile and poised performance that typified his growing reputation, the Australian big man orchestrated a 102-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Summer League, showing Bulls fans and front office personnel exactly why his name continues to gain momentum.

Olbrich wasn’t the most talked-about player entering the Summer League, nor was he a projected headline-grabber on a roster filled with high-flyers, recent draftees, and developmental prospects. But with each passing game, the 6-foot-11 forward-center from Sydney is making his mark in unmistakable fashion. Against Milwaukee, he didn’t just show up—he set the tone.

From the opening tip, Olbrich was all over the floor. Defensively, he anchored the paint, called out coverages, and showed surprising lateral agility when switched onto guards. Offensively, he was equally engaged—screening with intention, rolling hard, knocking down open mid-range jumpers, and dishing out assists from the elbow. His stat line wasn’t gaudy in a traditional sense, but it painted a clear picture: he’s a do-it-all big who understands the nuances of winning basketball.

He finished the night with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal—numbers that underscored his versatility and presence across all facets of the game. But even more important than what showed up in the box score was the how. Olbrich played with an unmistakable sense of purpose, poise, and timing. Every screen was set with precision, every help-side rotation was sharp, and every pass from the high post came with a veteran’s touch.

For the Bulls, this game wasn’t just another Summer League win. It was an opportunity to see the glue guy potential in Olbrich manifest in real-time. While other players were chasing highlight reels, Olbrich was busy doing the dirty work—contesting shots, diving for loose balls, boxing out, and directing traffic on defense. That kind of effort, combined with his skill set, gives him a unique edge in today’s NBA.

The Bucks tried to combat Olbrich’s presence with physicality, throwing different looks at him, including stretch bigs and mobile forwards, but nothing seemed to phase him. He never rushed a decision, never got baited into foul trouble, and rarely made the same mistake twice. His calm demeanor matched the tempo the Bulls needed to maintain control in a tightly contested game.

Chicago built an early lead thanks in part to Olbrich’s early contributions on both ends. A couple of pick-and-pop jumpers got him going, and his unselfishness in the post allowed shooters to flourish. At one point in the second quarter, Olbrich grabbed an offensive rebound in traffic and whipped a no-look pass to the opposite corner for a made three, prompting the Bulls bench to erupt. It was the kind of moment that only a player with strong instincts and confidence can create.

Head coach John Bryant, who’s overseeing the Bulls’ Summer League squad, raved postgame about Olbrich’s impact. “He’s one of those guys you can plug into almost any lineup,” Bryant said. “He doesn’t need the ball to make a difference, but when he has it, good things happen. He’s vocal, smart, and incredibly selfless. You can tell he’s been well-coached, and he’s absorbing everything we throw at him.”

Olbrich’s rise shouldn’t come as a complete surprise to those who followed his international journey. He played professionally in Australia’s NBL with the Illawarra Hawks, where he earned praise for his physicality and feel for the game at a young age. That experience gave him a leg up entering the Summer League, where many players are still adjusting to the professional pace. For Olbrich, the transition looks seamless.

The Bulls are currently undergoing a soft retool, leaning on youth, development, and strategic roster management while also aiming to remain competitive. In that context, a player like Olbrich becomes especially valuable. His floor-spacing ability, defensive versatility, and passing touch make him a plug-and-play option in both big and small lineups. He can play alongside a traditional center or even serve as a small-ball five.

Against Milwaukee, the Bulls experimented with various lineup combinations, and Olbrich remained the constant. Whether it was defending the rim against Milwaukee’s rim-runners or switching onto quicker forwards during perimeter sets, he handled his assignments with professionalism.

And while the game remained close deep into the fourth quarter, it was Olbrich who came up with two crucial stops. First, he contested a baseline floater without fouling, altering the shot just enough to force a miss. Then, on the ensuing possession, he secured a defensive rebound in traffic, drew a foul, and calmly hit both free throws.

It’s rare in Summer League action to find a player whose impact resonates beyond the box score, but Olbrich’s presence was palpable. His teammates played more confidently around him. Guards knew they could funnel drives into his area, knowing he would rotate. Wings trusted his ability to facilitate when cutting off-ball. And coaching staff saw a player who was clearly making a case for an NBA roster spot come October.

Bulls fans have seen several international bigs come through Chicago in recent years, but Olbrich brings a distinct brand of toughness mixed with IQ. He’s not trying to be a flashy scorer or a volume shot-blocker—he simply plays the right way. That kind of mentality, especially in a team environment, often becomes infectious.

Social media buzzed with praise following the win. Fans on Bulls Twitter marveled at his passing angles, his ability to box out stronger players, and even his calm demeanor during heated moments. The term “fair dinkum” began popping up among fans—Aussie slang for genuine or authentic. It couldn’t be more fitting. Lachlan Olbrich is proving he’s the real deal.

While the Summer League is never the final word on a player’s potential, it serves as an important proving ground. For Olbrich, the mission is simple: continue building a resume that earns trust and a long-term look from the Bulls or another NBA franchise. Games like this one against the Bucks push that goal further into reality.

After the final buzzer, Olbrich’s postgame demeanor remained grounded. “I just try to play the game the right way,” he said. “Rebound, pass, defend, talk on D, be available for my teammates. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I’m just trying to make the most of every minute out there.”

That humility, paired with productivity, is exactly what makes him such an intriguing talent. He might not fill highlight reels, but he fills needs—and in the modern NBA, that’s gold.

As the Bulls continue evaluating their roster options heading into training camp, there’s a growing sense that Olbrich may not just be another Summer League standout, but a player with the grit, smarts, and skill set to carve out a real role. And if that happens, this win over Milwaukee could go down as the game where the basketball world took serious notice.

For now, Lachlan Olbrich remains focused on what he does best: the little things that win games. And on this night, those little things added up to a big Bulls victory.