Sports · Basketball · 1 day ago
Laso says Efes must adapt to Mike James’ long-term absence
Anadolu Efes lost 89-66 to Olympiacos in the EuroLeague in Athens.
Efes played without Mike James, a key player who suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a game against Crvena Zvezda.
He is expected to be out for seven to nine months.
Coach Pablo Laso said the team must accept that James will not return soon and find ways to play without him.
He said James’ absence was a major loss, but should not be used to excuse the defeat.
The injury comes early in the season, as Efes is working to establish its style of play.
Laso said the team must become better and share responsibilities differently.
Anadolu Efes lost 89-66 to Olympiacos in the fourth round of the EuroLeague.
Efes coach Pablo Laso said the team must accept that Mike James will not return and learn to play without him.
James is expected to be out for seven to nine months with a torn Achilles tendon.
Laso said James’ absence should not be used as an excuse for the defeat.
He said Efes must become a better team than the one that played against Olympiacos.
- Who
- Anadolu Efes, coached by Pablo Laso, and Olympiacos. Mike James is the injured Efes player discussed.
- What
- Efes lost 89-66 to Olympiacos, and Laso said his team must adapt to James’ absence.
- When
- The match took place on 2026-10-09.
- Where
- The game was played at SUNEL Arena in Athens.
- Why
- James is expected to miss seven to nine months after tearing his Achilles tendon.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We need to understand and accept that Mike James will not be coming back.
We will be without a very important player. But we have to become a better basketball team than the one we showed on the court today.
We have to understand that Mike James is not gonna come back.
Mike James sustained a torn Achilles tendon during an away game against Crvena Zvezda.
Olympiacos defeated Anadolu Efes 89-66 in the fourth round of the EuroLeague.
Pablo Laso said Efes had to accept James’ absence and improve as a team.
- Final score
- Olympiacos 89, Anadolu Efes 66
- Competition round
- Fourth round of the EuroLeague
- James’ injury
- Torn Achilles tendon
- Expected absence
- Seven to nine months
- Game venue
- SUNEL Arena, Athens
Sources
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