CSKA Moscow announced on Tuesday a contract extension with big man Ivan Lazarev for next season and an option for two more. Lazarev (2.10 meters, 25 years old) just completed his first season with the Red Army team. During this campaign, he managed to win the Turkish Airlines Euroleague and the VTB United League with CSKA. In the Euroleague, Lazarev averaged 1.4 points and 0.8 rebounds in 9 appearances during the Top 16 and the playoffs, when he gained more playing time after big man Joel Freeland suffered long-term injuries. Lazarev also played in two editions of the Eurocup with Zenit St. Petersburg, in 2012-13 (when the club was still called BC Triumph Lyubertsy) and 2014-15.

"I am glad to be part of the team, to play alongside such persons, pros of the highest level." Lazarev said. "Probably, as any basketball player, I would like to play a more important role but I perfectly understand that with CSKA I can improve my skills even during practices. I am definitely not at the top of my potential, I know what I can work on, and I have the ones who work with me. I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to the management and coaching staff for their trust in me. We had just a crazy last season, we won all trophies, you cannot ask for more. We will try hard to repeat our success next year."