The chant started like background noise but gradually amplified. An undeniable chorus of “We want Laney” chants rang throughout Barclays Center last week as Betnijah Laney-Hamilton sat on the Liberty’s bench.

Laney-Hamilton never entered the game. But the fan support meant “a lot” to the former All-Star, who’s working to rediscover her groove.

“It’s also a little overwhelming with the situation and everything and emotions,” she said Tuesday before the Wings beat the Liberty 88-77. “But it’s something that I don’t take for granted, something that I do really appreciate to just know that the fans continue to have my back through a difficult time.”

With Leonie Fiebich sidelined Tuesday with foot soreness, Laney-Hamilton earned her spot back in the rotation.

She looked rusty playing in her first game since June 28, finishing with an assist and zero points (0-for-5 from the field) in 15 minutes off the bench.

Laney-Hamilton took a chance on New York when not many free agents were willing.

She joined the Liberty when the team was in the thick of a rebuild in 2021. She became a beloved franchise pillar.

She navigated injuries and poured everything she had into the Liberty during the 2024 championship season.

Yet Laney-Hamilton’s future is in question, with the Aug. 2 trade deadline approaching fast.

Asked point-blank if she expected to be with the Liberty through the end of the season, Laney-Hamilton said, “We’re working on things.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton looks to make a move on Paige Bueckers during the Liberty’s 88-77 loss to the Wings on July 7, 2026 at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi / New York Post

“I don’t know what everything looks like right now,” she added. “I’m just trying to take everything one step at a time and just stay in the moment. It’s been difficult. But today, right now, I feel pretty good. I just want to be able to focus on the game.”

Laney-Hamilton’s comeback season has challenged her in ways she hadn’t necessarily expected. She’s done her best to mask any dissatisfaction she may feel regarding her fluctuating role. In the past two weeks, Laney-Hamilton hasn’t played in three games, despite being available.

“Just as a competitor and everything, as somebody who’s worked really hard, somebody who’s been a part of the organization for a long time, it’s … it can sometimes be disappointing and frustrating,” she said of her role. “But that’s also part of the process. So like I said, I’m just trying to — as much as possible — just come out, be the best version of myself within the circumstances.”

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton defends Paige Bueckers during the Liberty’s loss to the Wings. Michelle Farsi / New York Post

Laney-Hamilton missed all of last season rehabbing from knee surgery. She put in a lot of work behind the scenes so she could enter this year the healthiest she had been for quite some time.

“Physically, I feel better than I felt in a long time,” she said. “And so just taking it a day at a time, working through everything.”

Laney-Hamilton went from being a starter to coming off the bench to being out of the rotation. She missed time for personal reasons early on, then was sidelined for two games after having an injection in her surgically repaired knee before a June 14 game in Chicago. She’s averaging 17.6 minutes in 15 games (five starts), her fewest since 2018.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton defends against Atlanta guard Rhyne Howard during the Liberty’s win over the Dream on June 11, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Ga. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Coach Chris DeMarco explained some of Laney-Hamilton’s benchings as the result of him tightening the rotation. He has repeatedly expressed confidence in her.

“She is valuable to us,” he said.

Laney-Hamilton said she’s discussed her situation with DeMarco and general manager Jonathan Kolb several times.

“We’ve had a lot of different conversations,” she said, “and so now just trying to figure everything out and work through things.”

Her teammates are doing what they can to support her during this difficult season.

“Just picking her up every day, telling her things that I see that she can do or ways that she can help our team,” said Jonquel Jones, who recently gifted Laney-Hamilton a bottle of Beyoncé’s SirDavis American Rye Whisky. “Obviously, she’s staying ready and waiting for her number to be called and so just pouring into her positively, letting her know I’m there for her. … Whatever it takes, man. That’s my sister.”