Betnijah Laney-Hamilton trying to find her groove with Liberty future hanging in the balance

LAS VEGAS — Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s journey to reclaim her game this season hasn’t been easy, and she knows what’s at stake. In April, Laney-Hamilton signed a one-year, $400,000 deal to return to the Liberty after missing all of last year rehabbing from knee surgery.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.It’s a prove-it year.

She’s playing for her next contract, which could mean a major payday this offseason if all goes according to plan. Laney-Hamilton’s role this season, though, has fluctuated.Trying to rediscover her groove after more than a year off has been frustrating at times. Asked if she’s happy in New York, Laney-Hamilton said, “I’m figuring everything out.”When it comes to her role, she said, “I’m just working every day.”Laney-Hamilton is trying to take it day by day, but staying present and positive can be a challenge for even the most zen person when tackling the physical and mental hurdles of returning after a lengthy absence.The 6-foot guard/forward started in the Liberty’s first three games of the season before temporarily stepping away for personal reasons.

Upon her return, she was moved to the bench.Laney-Hamilton had an injection in her surgically repaired knee last week and missed the three subsequent games.She was available for Sunday’s loss in Los Angeles but never saw the floor.

Chris DeMarco said that was the plan all along. Asked what the point was for her to suit up if she wasn’t going to play, DeMarco said, “to be part of the team.” Laney-Hamilton confirmed she knew she wasn’t going to play Sunday.As for the reintegration process, though, Laney-Hamilton said, “That’s not up to me.” She said her relationship and conversations with DeMarco are improving, and they’re talking more.DeMarco said he and Laney-Hamilton are “on the same page with” what the team expects of her. �...