Build a stable lane state

0:00–14:00, especially the first three waves, each crash, and the first recall window

Use the first waves to establish a safe position rather than forcing every Q trade. If you can reach the wave without eating a full enemy wave, mark targets with Dauntless Instinct and build Ntofo Strikes stacks around last hits; at two stacks, the pull creates a stronger trade or setup window. Hold Path Maker for an engage that can reach your side of the lane or for the enemy's committed damage, and use Footwork to shield yourself or an ally when the jungler arrives. Crash before recalling. If behind, farm through the bounce and spend health only when the wave and your cooldowns support it.

Lane

Lane around his stacks and cooldowns

If the first waves are even and you can contest the level-up without standing in his full minion wave, trade around his last hits and keep the wave on your side. If he has push control, give the dangerous CS and wait for the bounce rather than taking an extended trade into his Q stacks and shield.

With K'Sante

• If K'Sante is holding Path Maker and Footwork, play close enough to follow his controlled entry but do not force him to engage alone. When he charges or displaces a target, layer damage during the brief disruption instead of arriving several screens late.
• When he uses All Out on a target near a wall, follow the isolated fight only if your champion can reach it without abandoning the rest of the team. If the enemy commits onto your carry instead, let K'Sante return to peel and attack the divers he can reliably control.
• If K'Sante is managing a side wave before an objective, group on the opposite side only when the wave will crash in time and he has a safe Teleport route or the enemy's answer is visible. If those conditions are missing, help him reset rather than starting a low-information fight.
• When K'Sante is behind, protect his farming and make his defensive kit valuable: stand within follow-up range during objective setups, but allow him to absorb the first engage instead of demanding a risky flank. His shields and disruption can still buy your carry the time to win an extended fight.