Wade will extend his paternity leave

MIAMI — The paternity leave of Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will extend for another week, with the guard in Los Angeles with his newborn daughter.

After missing the past three games, Wade posted an Instagram photo Sunday that he was in Los Angeles.

Asked last week if Wade would take paternity leave, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, “It’s day to day, but as much time as he needs.”

Wade has missed the past three games, a victory over the San Antonio Spurs and losses to the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards.

The Heat close out a four-game homestand Monday at AmericanAirlines Arena against the Philadelphia 76ers before a two-game trip Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets and Friday against the Indiana Pacers.

That trip will be followed by the lone visit of the season by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers next Sunday.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Wade said, “With my daughter coming a couple weeks early, she’s a little tiny right now, so we’re making sure health-wise that she’s OK.

“And for me, once I leave and go back to the season, not really being able to be with me everywhere I go, this time right now, this bonding moment with my daughter is the most important thing in my life at this time.”

It is Wade’s fourth child and first child with wife actress Gabrielle Union.

The Heat opted to carry a 14-player roster this season, one below the 15-player maximum. With point guard Goran Dragic dealing with a sore right knee it has left them at times with Tyler Johnson as their lone available backup guard.

According to the Associated Press, Wade will be away from the Heat through the Lakers game.

Wade, 36, said in September this would be his 16th and final NBA season.