Troy Cole, aka Kickasso, behind the scenes

Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso, in front of a mural by artist Jonathan Cirlin, a.k.a. Espy Dpt/Znc, at his workshop, Kickasso Kustoms, in downtown Los Angeles.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Feb. 14, 2019 5:09 PM PT

K8iros customized with a “Godfather II” motif by Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso, for Brooklyn Nets player Spencer Dinwiddie. The shoes are on display at Kickasso Kustoms in downtown Los Angeles.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

K8iros customized with a Bruce Lee motif by Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso, for Brooklyn Nets player Spencer Dinwiddie.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A Nike Jordan 3 customized by Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso. This shoe wasn’t customized for Michael Jordan but was for the general public.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso, at his workshop, Kickasso Kustoms, in downtown Los Angeles.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A Nike Jordan 5 customized by Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A Nike Roshe customized with a Homer Simpson motif by Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A Nike Jordan 4 customized by Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Troy Cole, a.k.a. Kickasso, customizing K8iros sneakers with a “Godfather II” design for Brooklyn Nets player Spencer Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie created his own sneakers brand called K8iros.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)