Ivan joined the Red-Blues in the fall of 2015 when Dynamo Moscow, his team at the time, had to cancel participation in Russian SuperLeague because of financial problems, and our team faced epidemic of injuries in the frontline. The player embraced the reserve role, appearing in 33 games for CSKA in 2 years (3.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.5 blocked shots, 6.2 minutes, 72.4% of two-pointers) and 29 games for the second team (19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocked shots, 24.3 minutes, 68.4% of two-pointers). As an Army Team member Lazarev won EuroLeague title and two VTB United League golds.

Andrey Vatutin, CSKA President:
Ivan found himself in dream situation, moving to the EuroLeague championship roster from Russian second division team. And Lazarev did everything necessary to justify the invitation: he worked hard, he displayed positive approach and desire to help at any moment. Now Ivan has to make a next step in his pro career, we sincerely thank him and wish good luck and health.

Ivan Lazarev:
I would like to say huge “thank you” to everyone in the club – coaches, management, staff – for the two years we spent together. I always could expect help and advice. I found here not only true professionals but great people, and it is sad to say goodbye. I thank my teammates for help, support, willingness to back me. It was amazing two years: there were first serious titles, new experience, a lot of interesting things. The period was also important for me personal because my lovely wife gave birth to two great kids. Now I have to move forward, to answer new challenges, to prove a lot to myself and people around.