 Lazăr, adamant that it was a fair tackle, refused to take the penalty and eventually persuaded the referee to award a drop ball, which his teammate Ovidiu Herea then kicked out for a goal kick.On 21 July 2011, Lazăr signed a three-year contract with PAOK FC after he was chosen by the club coach László Bölöni.He quickly became a key player for the club even after 5 matches.