LOS ANGELES, Dec. 25 (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Lakers proved they are more than a two-man team.

With Shaquille O'Neal on the injured list and Kobe Bryant struggling, the Lakers received siginificant contributions from others in rallying from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter for an 88-82 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Samaki Walker made the start at center and collected a season-high 18 points on seven-of-nine shooting, and added 10 rebounds while Stanislav Medvedenko added 12 points for Los Angeles after O'Neal was placed on the injured list with toe problems.

Samaki Walker kept the Lakers in the game, scoring 15 of his season-high 18 points in the first half. Andrew D. Bernstein NBAE/Getty Images

Philadelphia was in control through the first three quarters and took a 73-60 advantage on a basket by Corie Blount with 9:34 remaining. Bryant had just four points on 2-of-14 shooting through three quarters as he was clearly hampered by a strained muscle in his rib cage.

But his jumper triggered a 19-2 run that gave Los Angeles the lead for good at 79-75 with 4:17 to play. Lindsey Hunter, who was scoreless before the fourth, had a pair of 3-pointers in the burst.

A 3-pointer by Matt Harpring pulled the 76ers within 85-82 with 14 seconds left, but Devean George made one free throw and Allen Iverson turned over the ball on the next possession.

Despite his struggles, Bryant just missed a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

Iverson led all scorers with 31 points for Philadelphia, which was limited to six field goals in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers bench combination of Hunter, George, and Robert Horry (all held scoreless prior to the fourth quarter), oustcored the entire Sixers team 20-16 in the final stanza.