LeBron James has a message for the next generation of NBA players: stay focused on basketball, not the extras that come with the athlete lifestyle.

“Learn the history of the game. Respect the ones that came before you. Even when they do disrespect you, it’s OK. It’s absolutely OK,” James said after Saturday’s win over the New York Knicks (3:15 mark). “Know who paved the way. Understand what a professional is all about. Be a pro. Show up to work, be ready to work. If you on time, you late. Put the work in, the game gives back to you when you put the work in. That’s what the game gods do. … Just pour it all into the game if you want to be great and if you want to be someone that will never be forgotten in this league.

“The cars and the jewelry and all the other s–t don’t matter. It means absolutely nothing. I see a lot of these young kids, they get so unfocused about stuff that is so material that they can lose their focus. Just worry about the game. When you worry about the game, everything takes care of itself. Worry about the game, worry about your family and then worry about the game some more.”

James’ comments are nothing new. It’s pretty standard boilerplate advice for an elder statesman of any league to offer similar advice to young players.

That said, it’s different to receive advice from someone who has actually lived it and stuck to their word.

James, perhaps in response to the backlash he received for driving a tricked-out Hummer in high school, has rarely been one to flaunt his considerable wealth. He’s spent essentially his entire NBA career as a devoted family man, with his outside interests being designed to expand his portfolio rather than flex his bank account.

In fact, James’ most lavish purchases are often related to prolonging his basketball career. He reportedly spends around $1.5 million per year on his body, which has led to him remaining great longer than any player in league history.

His career has also been completely absent of any controversies unrelated to basketball. It’s remarkable that The Decision, which raised $2.5 million for the Boys & Girls Club, is the biggest controversy of James’ career nearly a quarter-century into his being in the limelight.