State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz and Sen. Michael Webber on Wednesday introduced legislation to rename a portion of Grand River Avenue in downtown East Lansing after Earvin “Magic” Johnson to honor the Spartan legend’s tenure at Michigan State University.

House Bill 4945 would rename Grand River Avenue (M-43) in downtown East Lansing from North Harrison Road to Hagadorn Road as the “Magic Johnson Way.”

“As a Lansing news anchor for many years, I enjoyed talking with Magic and watching as he continued to excel in athletics,” said Schmaltz, R-Jackson. “Renaming the most traveled road through downtown East Lansing only further adds to his legacy and helps ensure he is forever remembered for his contributions to the university, the community and the athletics program.”

Webber, who also attended MSU, introduced similar legislation in the Senate this week.

“As a proud Spartan, I know first-hand the long-lasting legacy that Magic Johnson established during his time at Michigan State,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “I was a student when the Spartans won their most recent national title, and many would agree the success of the men’s basketball program was largely influenced by what Johnson was able to do on the court.”